For those interested in comparative government, and especially the British system, the historic appearance of President Obama at a Republican congressional retreat created an interesting precedent.

Understanding the meeting's significance, MSNBC devoted a special two hour segment to it featuring regular political commentators Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann, and Rachel Maddow.  The similarity was quickly addressed over the historic presidential appearance and the traditional British parliamentary sessions where prime ministers respond to direct questions from that body's members.

There was one distinct difference between the Obama appearance and Britain's regular question and answer events.  In the latter instances a prime minister not only takes questions from opposing members hoping to score political point in the process but from members of the PM's party as well.  These individuals are also seeking to score points, but in a positive vein.  

Opposition members understandably post critical questions to generate the idea that all is not going well and that their party, given the chance, would do a better job.

There were no Democrats posing friendly questions at the Republican gathering in Baltimore.  The questions were designed to make it appear as if Obama and the Democrats were the true obstructionists in the legislative impasse and that their ideas were not being considered.

Obama used the meeting to his advantage.  MSNBC correspondent Luke Russert echoed a point made by others in the media that certain leading Republicans lamented afterwards that it was a mistake to hold such a meeting.  Based on the way that it went, such a reaction would be understandable.

Obama demonstrated with his cool and detailed responses that he is a master at absorbing public policy information.  Each time that the Republicans sought to link him along with his party to obstruction he responded with detailed information on contact attempts as well as aspects of legislation wherein ideas recommended by the opposition were included.

It was plain to see that the meeting was part of a broad Democratic Party strategy to show America that Obama stands ready to meet and work with Republicans.  

His cool and detailed presentation demonstrating a commitment to working with the opposition can in time put Republicans on the defensive if they persist in using the filibuster to prevent legislation from being considered.  

It should be noted that at Scott Brown for Senator rallies in Massachusetts Tea Bag types held signs displaying the number 41, indicating the importance of thwarting Democrats from obtaining the 60 votes needed to invoke cloture and defeat filibuster efforts.