To pass legislation during the next two years, Barack Obama and the new Republican-controlled House of Representatives will have to work together. In a similar situation after the midterm elections of 1994, Bill Clinton and the Grand Old Party joined forces, after a fashion, and got some big things done. Similarly far-reaching co-operation will be harder this time. However, it is not impossible – and, paradoxically, the prospects might be brightest on the issue that most deeply divides the two sides.