Senator John McCain is finding himself in the wonderful position that he spent his whole political career to get in. He is able to play the POW card whenever someone asks him a difficult question. Plus, because most people don’t study politicians, very few Americans realize that McCain has done this time and time again.
Caroline Kennedy has been out of the spotlight most of her life but, over the past six months, she has stepped up. She is visible and active in the Democratic Party. Below, you can see that she gives a great introduction for her uncle Ted Kennedy.
While speeches by Senator Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama were, correctly, the headlining events from yesterday’s session of the Democratic National Convention, remarks by former Republican U.S. Representative Jim Leach of Iowa ( painting above) also merit attention.
Leach discussed why he was endorsing the Democratic candidate in 2008 and provided something of a history lesson as well. From Mr. Leach you got the sense of someone truly concerned for his country rather than the personal anger and score-settling that drives Joe Lieberman away from the Democratic Party. Leach spoke of a Republican Party that lost its way with the reckless invasion of Iraq. And he underscored the prospect of a strong new direction for America at home and abroad offered by Senator Barack Obama.
Leach served in Congress between 1977 and 2007. He was defeated for re-election in 2006. He represented Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and much of Southeastern Iowa.
Here is some further information about Leach.
Here is the full transcript of what Leach said at the convention last night:
As a Republican, I stand before you with deep respect for the history and traditions of my political party. But it is clear to all Americans that something is out of kilter in our great republic. In less than a decade America’s political and economic standing in the world has been diminished. Our nation’s extraordinary leadership in so many areas is simply not reflected in the partisan bickering and ideological politics of Washington. Seldom has the case for an inspiring new political ethic been more compelling. And seldom has an emerging leader so matched the needs of the moment.
The platform of this transformative figure is a call for change. The change Barack Obama is advocating is far more than a break with today’s politics. It is a clarion call for renewal rooted in time-tested American values that tap Republican, as well as Democratic traditions.
Perspective is difficult to bring to events of the day, but in sweeping terms, there have been four great debates in our history to which both parties have contributed. The first debate, led by Thomas Jefferson, the first Democrat to be elected president, centered on the question of whether a country could be established, based on The Rights of Man.
It was great to Teddy Kennedy. He looks great for someone who has had brain surgery.
Errington C. Thompson, MD, is a surgeon, scholar, fulltime sports fan and part-time political activist. He is active in a number of community projects and initiatives. Through medicine, he strives to improve the physical health of all he treats...
