Democrats Duck Bush’s Civility Bash in Droves

On his 100th morning in office, President Bush learned a valuable lesson about Congress: Bipartisanship is best not attempted on a Monday.

To mark this milestone, Bush invited all members of Congress to a reception and luncheon Monday. The event was to be a showcase for his campaign vow to “change the tone” by bringing bipartisan civility to Washington.

Instead, just 193 of the 535 lawmakers showed up. Most Democrats--including all of the party’s congressional leaders--sent regrets. Even many Republicans chose to stay in their districts on a day when Congress was not in session.

Part of the problem was scheduling--lawmakers usually are not in the capital on Mondays unless there is a vote. But there was also a political message being sent, since three times as many Republicans showed as Democrats.

“Today marks our hundredth day of working together for the American people,” Bush said. “Oh, I know we always don’t agree. But we’re beginning to get a spirit here in Washington where we’re more agreeable, where we’re setting a different tone.”