Princeton University Press: Two must-read books provide a roadmap for post-Election political compromise and election reform

PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Spirit of Compromise: Why Governing Demands It and Campaigning Undermines It by Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson

In the days prior to and following the Presidential election, political rancor and partisanship reared their ugly heads in spite of calls by both President Obama and Governor Romney on Election night for politicians to work together in the coming months, to find common ground, and, ultimately, to reach compromise. Voters are left wondering, is compromise even possible in this divided environment? In The Spirit of Compromise, Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson tell us that campaigning requires an uncompromising mindset in candidates, but good governance requires leaders willing to compromise. Now that the campaigning is over and tough decisions for the future of the country need to be made, what are the prospects for compromise? Gutmann and Thompson reveal how to restore political compromise in Washington, DC and why it is necessary now more than ever.

PBS Newshour's Judy Woodruff calls it a "'no excuses' look at Washington gridlock," that every policymaker should read.

The Democracy Index: Why Our Election System Is Failing and How to Fix It by Heather Gerken