In a new book, Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson make the case for compromise. They spotlight the Tax Reform Act of 1986 as a model:
Compromises—even the most successful ones, like the Tax Reform Act—never satisfy pure principles. After the act was passed, its supporters rallied to its defense, hailing it as landmark legislation. It was—if compared to previous or subsequent tax reform. But judged by the moral principles invoked even by its staunchest supporters—whether principles of progressive taxation or those of the free market—the Tax Reform Act fell far short.
Earlier this week, Ezra Klein asked whether this sort of compromise is possible anymore.
The Dish 