Following the 2001 terrorist attacks, U.S. intelligence services sought to find common ground with their Russian counterparts, but soon discovered their interests diverged, said Andrew Liepman, former deputy director of the National Counterterrorism Center and a Central Intelligence Agency veteran.

WSJ: U.S.: Russia Withheld Intel on Boston Bomb Suspect

This is an example of what happens when individuals sit down, talk, share their concerns, and find common ground.

CNN: Want black votes, GOP? Listen to black voters

As someone who has voted for Democrats and Republicans, it's frustrating that we are stuck in this political matrix, watching members of both parties dig their heels in the ground and refuse to find common ground.

CNN: Democrats need to learn to compromise

Neither Senate Democrats nor Republicans could muster the 60 votes to overcome a filibuster for their own plans, and despite efforts by centrist legislators to find common ground, no compromise was reached.

CNN: Lawmakers vow to cooperate on economic stimulus bill

As Republicans struggle to find common ground with Democrats over the budget, conservative leaders have generally been unyielding in their resistance to tax increases on most wealthy Americans, one that defies American political history and budgetary realism, to the point of making a deal impossible.

CNN: GOP faces choice: Leadership or gridlock