At the end of a year of political chaos and Congressional dysfunction, something remarkable happened. Washington did its job. 2015 brought the tearful resignation of a House Speaker, a bombastic GOP frontrunner and a socialist challenger to the Clinton coronation. But another surprise was that Republican and Democratic leaders negotiated and passed—and that President Obama signed—major budget and tax legislation. There was no shutdown, less drama and more dialogue, less brinksmanship and more leadership.
Could it be the “Francis Factor”? In September, Pope Francis told Congress “you are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics.” On Capitol Hill, I found leaders after the pope’s visit both challenged and affirmed by his call to see politics as a vocation. Clearly, John Boehner’s decision to leave the speakership right after the papal visit and Paul Ryan’s reluctant decision to accept it brought different dynamics and a willingness to work together.
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