Memo to the GOP: Take Obama at his Word

Over the past few weeks, Mr. Obama (President as of today) has said we must "disagree without being disagreeable." Memo to the Republican Party: that's your key, if you want to oppose him.

Seriously, make it boilerplate. Before you start any news conference, say it, and thank him for wanting to have a serious conversation, and wanting to listen to other ideas. Then offer your ideas. If he truly wants to be (or simply appear) post-partisan, you can act like he's neither Democrat nor Republican--so your ideas should be considered just as seriously as the other party's.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen. First, we Republicans want to express support for our President's idea that we can disagree without being disagreeable. Second, we welcome President Obama's statement that he wants to listen to everyone's ideas, without any pride of authorship and regardless of source. That's the sort of post-partisan unity that we've longed for. So, here are our ideas for [fill in the blank]."

Buzzword bingo? Sure. (Don't forget to rearrange the "first" and "second" every day or so.) But, if half the battle is getting your ideas heard, then there's nothing wrong with using a little strategy.