reaching across the aisle
Cross-party cooperation effort
Reaching across the aisle means cooperating with political opponents, from the physical aisle separating parties in legislative chambers.
The phrase implies setting aside partisan differences to find common ground: The senator was praised for reaching across the aisle on immigration reform.
It can sound earnest or cynical depending on the speaker's view of bipartisanship.
- bipartisanshipCooperation between political rivals
- bridge-buildingEstablishing connections between estranged parties
- building bridgesFostering relationships between parties
- working togetherActing in concert
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
compromise · political compromise · middle ground · finding common ground · negotiation · good faith · mutual understanding · inclusivity · community engagement · arbitration · empathy · restorative justice · consensus · cultural exchange · coalition-building · trust-building · diplomacy · peace talks
- campaign jargonstump speech, talking points, sound bites, soundbite, soundbites
reaching across the aislehyperpartisanship
Extreme allegiance to one's faction
stonewalling · political polarization · partisan warfare · doubling down · partisan gridlock
reaching across the aisleclosing ranks
circling the wagons · insularity · purity tests · silo mentality · litmus tests
reaching across the aisleideological purity
Uncompromising commitment to doctrine