If the presidential race was based on the preferences of two-term Republican presidents’ sons, we’d be in great shape.
Ron Reagan Jr., for example, seems almost desperate to vote for John Kerry in November, fresh off his appearance at the Democratic National Convention and his sweeping condemnations of Bush and his presidency.
Yesterday, the list grew to include John Eisenhower, son of President Eisenhower and a lifelong Republican, who announced he is leaving the GOP and voting for Kerry.
The fact is that today’s “Republican” Party is one with which I am totally unfamiliar. To me, the word “Republican” has always been synonymous with the word “responsibility,” which has meant limiting our governmental obligations to those we can afford in human and financial terms. Today’s whopping budget deficit of some $440 billion does not meet that criterion.
Responsibility used to be observed in foreign affairs. That has meant respect for others. America, though recognized as the leader of the community of nations, has always acted as a part of it, not as a maverick separate from that community and at times insulting towards it. Leadership involves setting a direction and building consensus, not viewing other countries as practically devoid of significance. Recent developments indicate that the current Republican Party leadership has confused confident leadership with hubris and arrogance.
[…]
Sen. Kerry, in whom I am willing to place my trust, has demonstrated that he is courageous, sober, competent, and concerned with fighting the dangers associated with the widening socio-economic gap in this country. I will vote for him enthusiastically.
It’s always nice to see moderate Republicans announce that they’ve had enough and they’re leaving the party. It’s even better when they live in a swing state and have a famous last name tied to a GOP hero.