No Labels, which has emerged as possibly the nation’s leading centrist political group, has a label for last week in Washington: a banner week for bipartisanship.
The group hailed developments that are moving the agenda toward deficit reduction, Social Security
“There are now signs of a tipping point across the political world. Washington has really embraced the spirit of bipartisanship,” said Nancy Jacobson, No Labels co-founder. “AARP’s openness to changes to Social Security and the bipartisan vote to repeal the ethanol tax credit could be game changers. It’s exactly the type of leadership we need from both sides and has huge implications on the broader deficit negotiations.” 
No Labels several lasting moments from last week:
  • On Tuesday, Republican Rep. Eric Cantor, the House Majority Leader from Viriginia, praised Vice President Joe Biden, telling reporters “the success of these talks thus far is due to the vice president and the way he has conducted the meetings.”
  • On Thursday, 33 Senate Republicans joined 38 Democrats and two Independents in voting to end ethanol tax credits.
  • Also on Thursday, Vice President Biden said he has “really enjoyed working with Eric Cantor,” describing him as “smart” and “totally, completely straightforward and sincere.”
  • On Friday, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) signaled their willingness to consider changes to Social Security as part of a balanced proposal to ensure the entitlement program remains solvent for future generations.
  • On Saturday, President Obama, Vice President Biden, Speaker of the House John Boehner and Republican Governor John Kasich of Ohio discussed the debt-ceiling negotiations over a round of golf.
“(Last) week’s milestones could signal the beginning of a more open and frank dialogue between both parties about the urgent issues facing our nation. Congress and the president must continue to build on this momentum and come to an agreement on a bipartisan solution to the fiscal crisis,” said Mark McKinnon, another No Labels co-founder. “We’re racing against the clock. Our elected officials must forgo their (summer) recesses until they reach a deal to address the crisis.”