I've signed on to this proposal, which asks that Question Time be part of our political system from now on.

We live in a world that increasingly demands more dialogue than monologue. President Obama’s January 29th question-and-answer session with Republican leaders gave the public a remarkable window into the state of our union and governing process. It was riveting and educational. The exchanges were substantive, civil and candid. And in a rare break from our modern politics, sharp differences between elected leaders were on full public display without rancor or ridicule.

This was one of the best national political debates in many years. Citizens who watched the event were impressed, by many accounts. Journalists and commentators immediately responded by continuing the conversation of the ideas put forward by the president and his opponents — even the cable news cycle was disrupted for a day.

America could use more of this — an unfettered and public airing of political differences by our elected representatives. So we call on President Barack Obama and House Minority Leader John Boehner to hold these sessions regularly — and allow them to be broadcast and webcast live and without commercial interruption, sponsorship or intermediaries. We also urge the President and the Republican Senate caucus to follow suit. And we ask the President and the House and Senate caucuses of his own party to consider mounting similar direct question-and-answer sessions. We will ask future Presidents and Congresses to do the same.

You can sign the petition here. I think it's a good time to push for this to happen. Our political system is broken at this point because of the use of the filibuster, but soon it will be something else. And it shouldn't be only for the president. Both parties should have to answer directly to the people. The media has had too much control on what Americans get exposed to. They should welcome these events as well.

I'm asking that President Obama hold a progressive blogger 'question time' immediately. We are the grassroots and the base of the Democratic Party and it would be of great help to all parties involved if this happened. The sooner the better.