The Reason Why
At the height of his popularity and facing a flawed incumbent, Senator Ted Kennedy doomed his presidential quest when he could not offer a clear and coherent reason why he wanted to be president in a national TV interview with correspondent Roger Mudd in 1979.
Ironically, only eleven years before, in March, 1968, his brother Robert Kennedy offered this succinct summation of why he sought the presidency during one of the most divisive times in American history:
"I do not run for the presidency merely to oppose any man but to propose new policies. I run because I am convinced that this country is on a perilous course and because I have such strong feelings about what must be done, and I feel that I'm obliged to do all that I can."
Kennedy only needed about 50 words to sum up the principles that form the core of the American political system at any level--campaigns should be about ideas, not personal attacks, and individuals in a democratic society have a responsibility to participate in the political process, especially if they feel they can contribute and make a difference.
We often ask our political candidates what they plan to do. It is equally instructive to ask a candidate why he or she is running in the first place.
I have had long talks with my father on this subject. He and my mother have actively participated in community activities for roughly 40 years, and our discussions always end with the same observation. While both find the satisfaction they receive from helping others as its own reward, they also embrace the sense of duty expressed by Robert Kennedy.
I always admired Robert Kennedy as a political pragmatist who understood the need to find common ground between diverse viewpoints by focusing on solutions, not personalities. I always admired my parents' optimistic viewpoint that those who pursue community service and volunteerism benefit themselves only by benefiting others.
I believe in these principles, too. They guide how I will approach my candidacy for a seat on the Holmdel Township Committee, and equally important, they also provide voters with a clear explanation why I choose to run.
Ironically, only eleven years before, in March, 1968, his brother Robert Kennedy offered this succinct summation of why he sought the presidency during one of the most divisive times in American history:
"I do not run for the presidency merely to oppose any man but to propose new policies. I run because I am convinced that this country is on a perilous course and because I have such strong feelings about what must be done, and I feel that I'm obliged to do all that I can."
Kennedy only needed about 50 words to sum up the principles that form the core of the American political system at any level--campaigns should be about ideas, not personal attacks, and individuals in a democratic society have a responsibility to participate in the political process, especially if they feel they can contribute and make a difference.
We often ask our political candidates what they plan to do. It is equally instructive to ask a candidate why he or she is running in the first place.
I have had long talks with my father on this subject. He and my mother have actively participated in community activities for roughly 40 years, and our discussions always end with the same observation. While both find the satisfaction they receive from helping others as its own reward, they also embrace the sense of duty expressed by Robert Kennedy.
I always admired Robert Kennedy as a political pragmatist who understood the need to find common ground between diverse viewpoints by focusing on solutions, not personalities. I always admired my parents' optimistic viewpoint that those who pursue community service and volunteerism benefit themselves only by benefiting others.
I believe in these principles, too. They guide how I will approach my candidacy for a seat on the Holmdel Township Committee, and equally important, they also provide voters with a clear explanation why I choose to run.
posted by msockol at 9:56 AM
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