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The President Holds an Open Discussion Across the Aisle

Summary: 
Today the President led something unusual in American politics – an open dialogue with members of the opposite party.
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Today the President did something unusual in American politics – initiated an open dialogue with members of the opposite party.  Visiting the House Republican retreat, he took questions on anything they wanted to talk about.  He heard them out, acknowledged where they were right, and gave a genuine explanation where he felt they were wrong.

It's worth noting that the President is looking to answer your questions as well.  That's why immediately after the State of the Union, we partnered with YouTube to give you an opportunity to ask questions of the President.  Go and ask whatever you want, or just vote on other questions that your fellow citizens have submitted, and the President will answer some of those questions in a unique live event on Monday at WhiteHouse.gov.

The President Takes Question at the GOP Retreat, Vertical

President Barack Obama addresses the Republican GOP House Issues Conference in Baltimore, Md. Listening at left are US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va) and House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) January 29, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)