Turning climate change into a political football

Washington

IN A POLITICAL and electoral system dominated by two major political parties, the policy and legislative modus operandi in Washington has traditionally been grounded in a simple assumption: Democrats and Republicans would debate an issue, as they try to mobilise support for their view, but at some point the two sides would sit down and negotiate a deal.

Which sounds like common sense, especially when it comes to Americans who have always been known for their pragmatism. When one side lacks the power to impose its position on the other one, the solution lies in a compromise.