Opinions | Our politics is no uglier or more dysfunctional than in the past Kyle Longley Sen. Lester Hunt (D-Wyo.), presents the report of the Senate Crims Investigating Committee on Aug. 31, 1951. (Henry Griffin/AP) In 2018, NPR noted that the death of Sen. John McCain represented “the near-extinction of lawmakers who believe in seeking bipartisanship to tackle big problems.” President Biden has promised to restore the bipartisanship of yesteryear, but most observers are skeptical given the massive chasm between his proposals and what Senate Republicans seem willing to accept. As Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told reporters, “One hundred percent of my focus is on stopping this new administration” not an auspicious sign for those hoping for comity and dealmaking.