As a Republican, I have always seen the need for realism in politics. At the same time, I am captivated by the idealism and charisma of historical political figures from all backgrounds. I now understand that idealism is just as necessary as pragmatism for achieving true progress. In his October 19, 2008 article for the Chicago Tribune, Lou Zickar explores his own personal experience with idealism and vision in politics. Following an era when “patriotism was passé” (Zickar par. 1), Ronald Reagan’s vision of rekindling American greatness inspired Zickar to become involved in politics. “At a time when many people were saying that America’s best days were behind her, Reagan was saying that was not the case.” (Zickar 5) Zickar became a Republican not expressly because of Reagan’s policies, but because of his vision for America.
For this reason, Zickar now argues that “the most Reaganesque candidate in the race for president is not a Republican at all. It’s Barack Obama.” (Zickar 6) Although he has reservations about Obama’s position on the economy and lack of foreign policy experience, Zickar applauds his aspiration reforming American politics. He also expresses disappointment in John McCain for relinquishing the stance against corruption and infighting which he held in the 2000 election and embracing “second-rate politics” (Zickar 9), citing McCain’s attacks on Obama and nomination of Sarah Palin for purely political reasons. While Zickar remains a Republican, his comparison of Reagan and Obama sheds light on the value of idealism and hope in politics.
It was hope that separated Martin Luther King Jr. from black radicals such as Malcolm X and enabled him to succeed in actually bringing about change. Although King rejected liberal optimism, he maintained his faith in democracy and the ideals of the American Constitution. In his most famous speech, King proclaimed “I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed—we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” (Washington 219) On the other hand, Malcolm X abandoned hope in both America and Christianity, “the white man’s religion,” urging separation of the races and converting to Islam in order to preserve and glorify black identity.
By appealing to ideals that even his enemies held dear rather than renouncing them entirely, King catalyzed one of the most dynamic revolutions in American history nearly bloodlessly. Similarly, Obama has won the respect of many Republicans not due to his experience or policies, but on account of his vision for the future. Although I still disagree with Obama’s perspectives on current issues, like Zickar, I admire his idealism and heartfelt desire to bring about change. Obama may not be the right candidate in this election, but nonetheless I believe America must always have the audacity to hope.
Works Cited
Washington, James Melvin. "A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr." San Francisco: Harper Collins.
Zickar, Lou. "As Obama channels Reagan, the real McCain vanishes." Chicago Tribune. 19 October 2008. chicagotribune.com. 19 October 2008. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-perspec1019riponoct19,0,5498421.story.
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4 comments:
What about Obama's policies don't you like, caring about the poor, the environment, health care, etc...?
Or is it that your realism has stopped you from realizing that raising taxes on the wealthy, and raising the minimum wage, carbon tax, subsidies for environmental friendly projects, etc... WON'T destroy the economy or jobs, but are the only way that America can raise up to the standard of living for ALL of its citizens that is enjoyed in places like Sweden, Canada, etc...
The same people against gay marriage in America would have been supporting Hitler in Germany. It's not about economic reality, or Christian values, it's a choice between progress and regress.
Americans have become extraordinarily cynical in recent times towards politics and government in general. Obama has brought out a very powerful campaign strategy by giving voters something they haven't had in a long time in politics: a figure to be inspired by. I think this was best articulated by Bill Richardson in his endorsement of Obama. He said that "Senator Obama reminded us that cynicism is not realism, and that hope is not folly." Obama makes a distinction between unrealistic idealism and "hope," allowing people to feel good about politics without feeling like they are naively deluding themselves.
The theme of Ross’ post is a crucial one: the huge ramifications idealism can have in politics. Even hardcore conservatives cannot deny the idealistic message Obama has used to define his campaign, and as Ross alludes to at the end of his post, Obama has gathered the respect of many republicans. Along with that respect, he will garner republican votes. Obama’s positions on issues are consistently liberal, contradicting those of most republicans, so why would republicans cross party lines to vote for Obama? The answer is twofold and nailed by both Ross and Lou Zickar: the idealism with which Obama approaches the highest office in the United States of America coinciding with McCain’s apparent reversal in both belief and action in favor of “second-rate politics.” What Obama provides the electorate is a breath of fresh air from the “glass half empty” view that politics usually entails, garnering opposition against your opponent first rather than garnering support for your candidate. This breath of fresh air seems to be exactly what the doctor ordered, as the idealistic message Obama’s campaign is putting off has him ahead in the polls.
Ross and Zickar are right: Obama is an inspiring candidate. He has an ability to deliver a speech better than anyone in recent American political history. He has been able to galvanize Americans and because of his candidacy millions of people will vote this year whom have never voted before. But being inspirational does not make you a good president. And if Zickar is going to vote for him simply because he is inspiring him even though his policies are bad then he is not being a discerning person. I can be inspired by Obama the same way that listening to JFK gives me goose bumps. But I am also inspired when I listen to speeches given Huey Long. However, I would not go out and vote for him because I know his policies are wrong for the country. If your candidate is inspirational then that is icing on the cake but a cake of only icing would make you sick.
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