If more were actually getting done in Washington, there probably would be much less attention focused on how few times President Obama and Speaker John Boehner have met face-to-face, and on their "relationship."
But Congress is testing new lows in terms of legislative productivity, which leaves plenty of time for journalists to muse about the president-speaker relationship, such as it is, on the day of one of their rare meetings.
On Tuesday, the president and Boehner met one-on-one for the first time since December 2012. They've been part of group meetings and have talked by phone. But it was the first time in more than a year that they sat and talked with each other individually.
The Government Shutdown
For Obama And Boehner, No Sign Of Thaw In Frosty Relationship