Millions of Americans are anticipating the remarks President Trump will make in his first State of the Union address Tuesday night, which marks his one-year anniversary in office. The address is often a time for the president to reflect upon their progress, and achievements that have been made so far in the term, as well as to pitch policy goals and other changes they hope to implement going forward. The highly-broadcasted event, which takes places in the House chamber amongst legislators and representatives, attracted more than 31 million viewers during Obama’s final SOTU address in 2016. Americans all over the nation will be tuning into Trump’s first address on their home television sets, perhaps with some popcorn on the side. The event is a political show for everyone.
But what follows the address — the opposing party’s response to the president’s speech — is often also noteworthy. A political tradition dating back to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s address in 1966, the response speech is a time for the opposing party to react and present the vision of the party they represent. Especially during a crucial juncture in our nation’s history and with 2018 midterm elections looming ahead, this year’s response could be an important, defining moment for Democrats to issue a statement about their party’s goals and formally resist a decidedly polarizing administration.
This year, Democratic leaders have chosen political newcomer Joseph Kennedy, grandson of Bob Kennedy and great-nephew of former president John F. Kennedy, to deliver the response after Trump addresses the nation Tuesday night.
Brookline native and Kennedy-bred, Joe has made strides in public service in recent years. Most notably, Kennedy refused the position of chairman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, but he is known to be outspoken for gay and transgender rights as well as pushing back against the GOP decision to repeal Obamacare. In short, Joe has come into the spotlight as a potential young face for the Democratic party.
While many Democratic leaders seem to be impressed by his actions and political statements, the weight of the Kennedy name could be shadowing their better judgment. It’s no secret that the political dynasty has left an impression on the fabric of this country. The Kennedys have been a face that Americans have identified with for generations. During the 1960s, the JFK campaign and its promises for America’s youth resonated with many voters. However, in the dawn of 2018, it is important to re-evaluate the party and the changes it has gone through.
Democrats should have looked at more diverse candidates when selecting the spokesperson for their party. There are an abundance of strong, competent female leaders in the party like veteran politicians Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren or California Sen. Kamala Harris, who not only could have a been more effective speakers, but also better representations of the party, namely because they aren’t rich white males. If we’re looking to combat Trump and his racial, anti-immigration agenda, then surely Democrats and those opposed to his administration should stand up to him using a underrepresented voice from this country — perhaps, even one that has come under attack recently.
Democrats need to own up to the diverse ideals they’re trying to embody, and Joe Kennedy does not align with those ideals. He embodies the persona of white, rich privilege, descending from a family of wealth and opportunity. It’s as though the party leaders were making a safe choice, rather than a more strategic one.
Regardless of the appointee for the opposing speaker, this speech itself could not come at a more critical time. In order for Kennedy to strike a chord with GOP leaders and Trump himself, his speech needs to be more focused on the issues and stay away from an excessive anti-Trump sentiment. Instead, Kennedy should propose policies and recommend legislation that needs to be passed in order to see change. He also should seek to hold Trump accountable for the facts and statistics he brings up in his address, which we’ve seen to be inaccurate in the past. Most importantly, Kennedy needs to unite the Democratic party and espouse on its message clearly and directly.
It’s time to move forward and alter our approach when it comes to dealing with Trump. When many of us think about their grievances with the Trump administration, we often turn nostalgically to Obama. For millions of Americans, he represented hope and change — and despite all odds, he was elected as the first black president of the United States. If we want to make any sort of progress or see any sort of change from what’s going on right now, we’re going to need someone who can lead this country and take it in the direction it needs.
I think it’s interesting that you believe that the Democratic party is ‘trying’ to embody diversity, when they so obviously (and as you noted in their choice of speaker) embody dynasty politics and wealth consolidation.
Appealing to emotion and celebrating identity politics worked for Dems for the last 30 years, but people of all diversities and ages are starting to wise up to what is just plainly, terrible policy and selfish ego-stroking by Democrats.
The party will only again begin to win in the US when they return to Classic Liberalism, a party focused on civil liberties protected under law that aims to promote economic freedom of the individual.
Unfortunately, that era may have died with the last Kennedy.