As Congress wrangles over the federal budget, the drama centers around two main characters: President Obama and Speaker of the House John Boehner. Forced to compromise against a backdrop of coalitions that refuse to bend, their relationship defines the political moment. Steven Smith, professor of political science at Washington University in St. Louis, joins us to add some historical perspective and look at other notable president/speaker relationships, from President Clinton and Newt Gingrich to Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neil.
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