It wasn't too surprising to hear Democrats, with a majority in Congress and an incoming president, touting bipartisanship after a meeting with Republican leadership. However, Republicans sounded just as optimistic during a press conference yesterday that there would be joint participation on the forthcoming economic recovery package.

"I thought the atmosphere for bipartisan cooperation was sincere on all sides," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said yesterday, following a meeting with President-elect Obama and Democratic leadership. "We welcome the opportunity to be included in the discussion. I'm convinced as a result of listening to the president-elect that he is interested in what Republican ideas might be offered to the stimulus package that we anticipate him unveiling in the next few days."

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) sounded a similar theme in his remarks as well. "I'm looking forward to working with President-elect Obama and our Democrat colleagues to help get our economy moving again and help our constituents," Boehner said. "I thought the tone of the meeting went well and I look forward to working with the new president and his team."

This glimmer of cooperation stands in stark contrast to the partisanship that has rankled Congress in recent years. Whether it was just a show or a sincere push for compromise is still unclear, though things should crystalize over the next six weeks as Obama's stimulus plan moves through Congress.

"It is a new day here on the Capitol," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). "The President-elect came and called together a meeting of the bipartisan leadership, Democrats and Republicans of the House and Senate. He talked about extending a hand of friendship, to work with civility, with fiscal responsibility, and with a sense of urgency, because the American people are hurting."

The Republican whips of the Senate and House were equally encouraged.

"Very good," said Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), on Republicans' reception at the meeting. "The president-elect was very open and everyone had an opportunity to speak. It was a good, constructive meeting."

"There's no question that all in the room -- on both sides of the aisle, both sides of the Capitol -- are intent on trying to do all we can to preserve, protect and create jobs," said Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.).