Gov. Lincoln Chafee '75 P'14 P'16, an Independent, took the stage Sept. 4 at the Democratic National Convention to address and potentially sway moderate and independent voters. Chafee reached out to those with political beliefs that - like his own - fall toward the middle of the spectrum, who "all too often have no one to speak for them." In doing so, he at once excoriated the Republican Party for straying from the traditional moderate conservatism exemplified by Rockefeller Republicans like his father, former governor John Chafee, while praising the Obama administration for responsible environmental, financial and foreign policy. Though Chafee's appearance at the convention may have been the result of newfound political alliances, his message to political moderates is one this country desperately needs.
Chafee left the Republican Party in 2007 due to the growing influence of the far-right wing. He supported President Obama in 2008 and is currently co-chair of the 2012 re-election campaign. Naturally, his speech at the DNC included a harsh summary of the George W. Bush years and an optimistic review of Obama's first term. It is common for party-switchers to speak at conventions to politically appeal to independent voters, and, in many ways, Chafee's appearance was quite typically partisan. But Chafee was also able to evoke a sense of a purer, less extreme conservatism, to reach those who do not subscribe to the increasingly extreme views on either side of the political spectrum. He labeled this as a "group (that) doesn't necessarily have a name."
This party without a name is seldom energized about either Democrats or Republicans. In today's political environment and constant cable news cycle, it often seems that discourse has taken a backseat to shock value and ultra-partisan views. However, Chafee and the Democratic Party should be praised for adopting a political platform premised on universal acceptance, an ideal that is commendable in theory, if not in pragmatism. In order to truly commit to Obama's idea that "citizenship ... only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations," DNC speakers set out to tell liberals, moderates and conservatives alike that there is no longer room for intolerance or limited freedom if we wish to revitalize our nation. This vision of the future can only be accomplished through embracing conservatism as it was originally intended. True conservatism, which advocates and respects personal freedoms, is not apparent in our most divisive social issues - gay marriage and abortion rights.
Of course, this political strategy may backfire in many hotly contested electoral districts. The Democratic platform, namely its stances on social issues and health care, can be seen as incredibly radical for a national message and may prove too progressive to appeal to many conservatives. As always, the moderates - the party without a name - will decide the election. The Democratic platform is intended to challenge and appeal to moderates by creating a stark division between the agendas of both parties. No matter the outcome, it is certainly admirable that Chafee and others like him are willing to sacrifice political capital to advance a message of universal personal freedom, instead of shying away from the issue to pander to various constituencies.
Editorials are written by The Herald's editorial page board. Send comments to editorials@browndailyherald.com.
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