In a Call for Unity, CTA's Shapiro Says 'Best Legislation' Is Bipartisan

CTA President Gary Shapiro, who stated publicly in a Facebook post last fall he intended to vote for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton (see 1610150001), took to Facebook again in a call for unity Thursday night, hours before Donald Trump’s inauguration as president. “During this historic moment I want to give a message to my friends on the right and left,” said Shapiro, who supported Republican candidate Mitt Romney in the 2012 election. Shapiro urged his progressive Facebook followers to “disagree on policies and substance but try being respectful. You are more likely to sway people that way.” To his Trump-supporting friends, Shapiro said: “Try to agree on facts before you fight over policies” and give Democrats a “seat at the table and use their best ideas.” Stressing the need to compromise, Shapiro said, “Our best legislation is bi-partisan.”