Ronald Reagan dealt with a loyal opposition, a luxury we don't have today. In any case, he's gone and there won't be another any time soon. But we do have a few designated hitters, and we would be fools to force them to bunt when they step up to the plate.
BTW, how's that "new tone" thing of Dubya's working out? Everybody in Washington been all friendly and bipartisan the last few years have they?