| Summary |
In this article, Hillary Clinton speaks to a group of bipartisan leaders in America. Her words emphasize the importance of collaboration and unity across political parties in order to further progress in the nation. Clinton discussed the progress that has already been made by both Republican and Democrats working together, as well as the opportunities that still exist. She believes that the spirit of bipartisanship is still alive and is crucial in order for the US to stay on a path toward a better future. She also believes the best ideas come when people are willing to work together, regardless of party lines.
As we move forward, Clinton encourages all citizens of this country to recognize and respect the value of teamwork and collaboration across parties. We should strive for common ground to come up with solutions that move the country forward in a positive direction. She acknowledges that this may not always be easy, but both parties must make a conscious effort to put their differences aside and focus on compromise. Clinton believes that it is through collaboration and compromise, not partisan gridlock, that the US will succeed.
Clinton's speech speaks to the need for collaboration and unity between the two main political parties in America in order to propel the country into a brighter future. She comments on the progress that has been made by both Democratic and Republican officials when they come together and work on behalf of their constituents. She acknowledges not only the achievements of bipartisanship but also the opportunities that still exist. Additionally, Clinton emphasizes the need for all citizens to come together, regardless of political affiliations, in order to further development.
Clinton's address encourages both citizens and officials to recognize the importance of bipartisanship in order to further progress in the US. She also emphasizes that the best solutions come from collaboration and compromise across parties. In doing so, the US can move forward toward a brighter future. Clinton's inspiring words shine a light on what is possible when both Democrats and Republicans work together.
Bi-Partisan Opportunity in America
In a speech to a joint session of Congress in February, U.S. President Bill Clinton spoke of bi-partisan opportunity in America.Highlighting the importance of “One Americaâ€, President Clinton celebrated the progress of US citizens in all races, religions, and professions.
“We have come a long way in healing the wounds of our country's past,†the President said. “Today, Americans of all backgrounds can work together to create a brighter future for our nation.â€
In his speech, the President praised America for its commitment to eliminating discrimination and poverty. He noted that “every American has the opportunity to participate in the American Dream.â€
President Clinton also spoke of the importance of the bi-partisan effort to create a better United States. “We must work together to ensure that all Americans have the right to live, work, and succeed in a free and open society.†He concluded by saying, “We have a great opportunity to show the world what a truly unified nation looks like.
As the crowd's ovation quieted, President Clinton immediately asked to be reintroduced as the 42nd President of the United States and the husband of New York's junior senator, Hillary Clinton. Then he began a nearly 40-minute lecture by thanking the college students who helped ensure that students were able to vote where they attend school in the 2004 election.
The election was a historic one—over half of registered voters cast a ballot, and about 10 million new voters registered. The Republicans were astonishingly successful in turning out already-registered voters. Although information is still being processed, it appears that about four percent of voters chose their candidate in the last 24 hours before the election; most of those people voted for President Bush because they were reluctant to change leaders in the midst of the situation in Iraq.
President Clinton said his greatest disappointment with respect to the election was the fact that many voters, especially evangelical Christians, cast their votes for President Bush on the basis of "moral values." He stated emphatically, "I do not believe that either party has a monopoly on morality or truth," and expressed concern that voters of neither major political party were informed enough about the issues. Before the Democratic party can win another national election, he indicated, Democrats need to feel comfortable talking about their convictions.
As examples, President Clinton pointed to gay marriage and abortion - issues that caused Senator Kerry to lose huge amounts of votes. Yet, he believes, if the senator had spoken more openly about his positions, those could have been issues that fell in his favor.
President Clinton described his own tactic of maintaining the Roe v. Wade trimester structure of legalized abortion, all while waging an aggressive effort to make abortions more rare. In the eight years he was President, abortions declined by nearly 25%; in the past four years, the number of abortions rose. As a result, the Democrats actually ended up with a more pro-life result than the party that currently speaks about the "culture of life."
Similarly, while in office, President Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act to leave the issue of gay marriage to the states (and religious doctrine), where it has been addressed for more than 200 hundred years. Yet, after one state court allowed gay marriage, Republicans "whipped into a frenzy" and called for a federal Constitutional amendment. Senator Kerry has actually indicated that he would support the proposed Massachusetts state Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, but he rarely spoke about the topic during the campaign.
Aside from these matters, President Clinton listed several other issues that were inadequately addressed during the presidential campaign: the national deficit rising in the face of two tax cuts; affordable healthcare, particularly for the uninsured; America's dependency on foreign oil; and homeland security. About these issues he quipped, "The good news is, I can say whatever I think. The bad news is that since I'm not President, nobody listens any more."
Despite his disappointment with what he saw as the Democrats' failure to engage the Republicans on these important issues, President Clinton indicated that there are great opportunities for "good things" to happen in the next four years if both parties work together. He spoke of the positive impact that a commitment to finding clean energy sources would have: increased domestic job opportunities and a cleaner global environment. He spoke of Yasser Arafat's health situation as providing an opportunity for Palestinians to unite and commit to peace. He spoke of the great ideological disparities between this nation's Founding Fathers, which ultimately led to a government that fostered and flourished with debate and ended up with the best of both worlds.
President Clinton noted that the historical reason that people support conservative candidates is that there is a "sense of everything spinning out of control." The fact that the world is more interdependent—in good ways and in bad—requires Americans to stop demeaning one another and start cooperating to take terror down and to remove the grievances of poverty, ignorance, disease, and absence of peace from around the world. Certainly, there are differences worth fighting for; but, in the end, our "common humanity will always matter more."
President Clinton answered several pre-submitted questions for about 45 minutes, largely on foreign policy, after he closed his lecture with the statement, "Remember, none of us ever have the absolute truth."
