Was George Bush's presidency hampered by an opressive congress?

You can talk about the fact that the Democratic congress fought Bush on policy every chance they could. Barry now says the only way to have an effective government is to "reach across the aisle" and work together. Why didn't the Dems "reach across the aisle" then? For government to work properly as intended by the constitution there need to be checks and balances, intelligent conversation on BOTH sides of the aisle. When that is not achieved the office of the presidency and the government as a whole will not run properly. Think of it like a car. When all the parts are contributing and pulling their own weight the car runs smoothly, when one or more parts is malfunctioning the entire car suffers. Just make sure you get facts to back up all your arguments and KNOW them backwards and forwards.