Fair enough, but this thread is attempting to be perhaps the lone sanctuary from that.
Every other thread is fair game for being snarky. Can’t this one be both positive and genuine?
Or would that rip apart the fabric of the universe? 
They (Republicans) provide tons of material for those in a certain segment of the media (namely, late-night comedians). But of course everyone already know they’re the more charitable party. (Sorry, couldn’t resist) 
Jeez, we just dodged the Mayan Apocalypse bullet. Is there some kinda Aztec Universe Fabric Ripping deadline coming up? 
Why didn’t I get the memo?
Many Republicans are very genteel people with fine educations, elegant manners, and good fashion sense.
Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves. That was pretty cool.
Obama’s got balls. Big brass ones. He went way out on a limb with the Osama bin Laden raid, knowing he’d get crucified if it failed. He’s authorized other missions that were politically risky for him, too.
Richard Hanna (R-NY) announced in a statement late last week that he has signed onto the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill to repeal DOMA.
It’s a start.
Chris Christie seems like a good man. It might all just be politics but the way he handled Sandy and accusations against Sohail were both legit. Unless he proves otherwise I’m going forward assuming he’s an honorable person. Most people tend to operate on the idea that everyone they encounter is worthy of respect until proven otherwise: I work in the opposite direction. Christie’s got my respect for now.
As I said in my thread about pro-life picketeers at abortion centres,
I used to be one. I got over it. Maybe they will.
I have to give kudos to David Cameron for standing up for gay marriage in England, against considerable opposition from his own party. Likewise to Boris Johnson for claiming the minimum wage in London should rise to meet cost of living expenses.
On issues where I disagree, but can perhaps understand an opponent’s position, they both seem to regard businesses as the source of value creation. David Cameron gave a decent speech where he outlined all the positive actions businesses had taken in communities. They also seem to have an abiding fondness for their country, even with its changing demographics, as evinced by the segments of speeches quoted yesterday in the New Year’s fireworks celebrations.
I agree with republicans about the death penalty to the extent that some people do not deserve to live and that several bullets in the head is plenty humane for the inhuman (child molesters, most murderers).
Not sure theres anything else.
But, he couldn’t be, could he? It’s impossible. He is a New Jersey politician. 
George W. Bush never bought into or encouraged Islamophobia. He was opposed to the idea that the US was at war with Islam, or that Muslims were incapable of democracy, or that “creeping Sharia” was a threat to American liberties.
Chris Christie also tells Islamophobes they’re wrong, and has been willing to work with Democrats for the good of his state.
George HW Bush signed off on a tax increase that was good for the nation, knowing that it could cost him his job.
Richard Nixon established the EPA, which has done a lot of good, and helped bring about the end of the war in Vietnam.
I’m having a hard time seeing “will work with the opposition for the good of constituents” as significantly higher praise than “doesn’t eat babies.”
In the USA House there are now just about 151 Republicans that do still understand compromise and bipartisanship.
Can not say anything nice for the other 85…
There are a host of extremely religious people who let their faith dictate their voting choices and policy preferences. Aside from the caricature, many honestly and earnestly believe they are doing so in my best interests. Yes, there are exceptions (which may even be the rule), but that’s not the purpose of this thread.
I think the republicans were right in the 90s to push welfare reform.
President Obama has been a good centrist President on the model of Richard Nixon despite like Nixon arousing extreme partisan hatred.
They finally compromised on the fiscal cliff deal extending my unemployment benefits just enough to get me through second semester without having to work or take out a loan. And at least some of them were gracious enough to bow out of this one.