Political rancor has always existed across the aisle, but it may have never been stronger in modern times than now.
That fact is angering former Governor Tommy Thompson, a Republican who had been able to work across the aisle well during his tenure.
“I’m upset. I wish both political parties could work together. This is the time to come together,” he told John Mercure on WTMJ’s “Wisconsin’s Afternoon News.”
“I was Secretary of Health and Human Services when 9/11 happened. Everybody came together…everybody, Democrats and Republicans, independents, came together for America.”
During his conversation with Mercure, Thompson spoke with the passionate presentation that was so much his trademark.
While stating that he understood the Democratic and Republican sides “may not always agree,” but that they can find common ground.
“We need to be able to work together, come up with joint ideas. I have never found a Democrat idea or a Republican idea that is so much better that we don’t have to listen to the other side.”
Thompson spoke specifically about the need to move in getting businesses re-opened, but did not specifically say he supported the current Republican or Democratic stance on the subject.
“Students have to get educated…and we’ve got to get our businesses open, and that’s going to take all of us. Not just one side, but all sides to come together and say ‘We live in Wisconsin, and we’re going to make Wisconsin the best it can possibly be.’ “
Stay tuned for part two of John Mercure’s 1-on-1 talk with Tommy Thompson either Friday or Monday on Wisconsin’s Afternoon News.