I read this in the print copy of Newsweek and went looking for the link. :)

"

The Blair House Test

Obama's summit sets a precedent.

The summit at Blair House didn't get stellar reviews: bloggers found it boring, and the participants left with mostly the same views they held on arrival. Democrats intended the meeting to be a final gesture of bipartisanship—a recognition that the public yearned to see politicians working together—before using their majority to ram home the health-care bill. Republicans saw it as a chance to spread their talking point that it's time to "start over" and go "step by step." Real deal-cutting will continue to take place, as always, behind closed doors.

But a funny thing happened on the way back to the usual bickering. The wonky cable conclave became one of the most important events of the year old Obama presidency—and for reasons beyond its potential to advance landmark legislation. The leaders didn't actually accomplish anything, but they inadvertently created a new democratic institution. The face-off set a teleprompter-free precedent that will be tough for future presidents or members of Congress to break. Now the skills required to chair a bipartisan gathering, master complex policy details, and adeptly summarize relevant arguments will be added to those of anyone seeking the presidency. Being quick and cogent in response will be part of any calculation of who should be House speaker or majority or minority leader. Having experienced one of these summits, the press and public will demand more. So savor the good news for the future: smarter presidents, smarter leaders on both sides of the aisle.

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More @ Newsweek

I love it that this event creates a precedent where the President becomes answerable to the Reps more directly. One of the things I noticed is that there are these unidirectional speeches in the well of the joint sessions of congress, but no real comparable to UK's version of direct dialog (which has its own demerits of 'in your face' dialog, but is still a great feature of their democracy).  The Blair House event is the beginning of direct dialog and direct challenging the President in ways we have never had before.  One thing about democracy.. if it happens once, we tend to ask for it  again.


Heheh!!!

Hillary Clinton is a master at these in-the-moment townterviews and dialogs that are the hallmark of a great communicator in such contexts.   Not one can come close to this talented person.