Leaders Acting Like Leaders: How Refreshing

For those who don't know, Chris Christie is the Governor of New Jersey. Early in 2012, republicans literally begged Christie to run for President of the United States. He repeatedly refused, saying that he was not ready to be president and he did not want to abandon his state of New Jersey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W24-CB6nn2k.

He gave the opening keynote address at the Republican Convention and basically slammed President Obama for 30 or so minutes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWICurHafqE. It should be noted that President Obama doesn't have any real affinity for Governor Christie either.

However, a week before the election, Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast coast of of the United States and devastated Christie's home state of New Jersey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mZPuTOkmiA.

To their credit, these two individuals put party politics aside and joined forces to provide the people of New Jersey the best possible state and federal resources. It impresses me that two individuals could work together for the greater good and openly praise each other in press conferences www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssl1R7oXpg4.  However, there are some that believe Christie's praise of Obama was the final nail in the coffin for the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-7Foalz5Qs&feature=relmfu.

Author's Perspective: I have long believed that the problem with America is the divisiveness of the two party system. When the Democrats try to do something, the Republicans stand in their way, and viceverse. Gridlock. Good 'ol fashion party politics. So, it is refreshing to see two strong leaders combine forces to serve the people. Not only did these two men work together toward a common goal, they acted the ways leaders should act...like..well...leaders.

Your Turn:
1) Two men working toward a common goal might sound easy, but think of the person who you hate the most - perhaps someone who has been your biggest critic and called you names. Could you overcome your feelings and work toward a common goal? Could you praise your enemy in public?
2) Why do you think Republicans and Democrats have such an issue working together for the good of the country?