Lunch between Cantor and Hoyer -- tomorrow!

At today’s weekly meeting with Capitol Hill press , House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) was asked about reports he would be sitting next to his counterpart, House Minority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD).  “I’m more than happy to sit next to Mr. Hoyer,” Cantor replied, but he knew nothing about it.

Then he dropped the jaw-dropping information that he was actually having lunch with Hoyer — tomorrow.  Then he added that in the past he had actually worked with Hoyer on legislation. This too seemed to be astonishing news for the assembled reporters.

When asked by a very cynical reporter if the idea that Democrats and Republicans sitting together was merely  “symbolic,” Cantor turned serious and said that “maybe this sitting together thing is a first step.” The Republican was further pushed — what on earth could they agree on? Cantor said that Hoyer, who comes from a conservative Maryland district, has spoken of “fiscally prudent management.” That, Cantor said, was something they might collaborate on.