Ira Shapiro : America is seeing a surprising change in political climate . After years of war , both parties making progress on issues such as abortion . He says much of the change is coming from members of the Senate . Shapiro : President Barack Obama 's `` charm offensive '' on Capitol Hill won approval from many Republicans . Senators want a return to days when government actually functioned .
Ira Shapiro : America is seeing a surprising change in political climate . After years of war , both parties making progress on issues such as abortion . He says much of the change is coming from members of the Senate . Shapiro : Senators want a return to days when government actually functioned .