By: Gillian Evans
Bipartisan is a word rarely heard or practiced in American politics today, especially around election time when people gain prominence specifically for their political differences. This year’s Convocation featured national political commentator, Cokie Roberts, who spoke on this political disunification America is experiencing today. Despite the cold, rainy weather, hundreds of students, faculty and community members gathered in Looney Gym September 13 to hear her speak.
The Dan R. Boulware Convocation on Critical Issues was first started 23 years ago with the hopes of bringing current issues onto Missouri Western for students to get involved in the conversation. While past convocations have been less relatable, bringing Roberts on campus to speak about the political climate two months before a national election was extremely timely.
As a reporter for National Public Radio, an analyst for This Week With George Stephanopoulos, and as a commentator for ABC News, Roberts is no stranger to the political scene. She also grew up around politics as the daughter of former Louisiana Democratic Congresswoman Lindy Boggs and Congressman Hale Boggs. From an early age, Roberts has experienced first-hand the change, and disunification of politics.
“It wasn’t always like this,” Roberts said. “There used to be more moving across the aisle. What happened to this fundamental fellowship?”
When Roberts was younger, she and her siblings would play with children of other senators, regardless of their political parties. This led to officials getting to know each other outside of the political setting, and see them as something more…. as Americans.
“It’s hard to demonize someone who’s child is playing Clue in your basement. This is now gone,” said Roberts.
Since the 1960’s, Roberts said that American politics has lost this mentality of “what’s best for all,” and instead garnered the mentality of “what’s best for me.” According to Roberts, this shift has been a result of several factors: politicians not living in Washington, D.C. anymore, politicians living in a permanent campaign, the media’s influence, and the American voters. These factors are prominent in the current race for president.
Between the two candidates, Roberts claims there could not be more of a divide in ideals. Roberts commented that Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has experience being in the political spotlight and eternal campaign, but has resulted in her being less transparent.
“Clinton is known for her secrecy and for skirting around sensitive, personal topics. The American people don’t like this, nor do the media,” said Roberts.
The opposite is of Republican candidate Donald Trump.
“Trump has business experience instead of political, and is new to the campaigning scene. He has his fair share of closet skeletons that the media has had no trouble finding, though, as well as his very radical statements that the media have exploited,” said Roberts.
The 2016 Election has been like no other due to our nation’s increased attention on social media, which Roberts believes is to blame for much of the election hype, concerns and fears.
“The media are always looking for the next scandal,” said Roberts. “You always get quotes from the loudest shouter, regardless of the truth behind it.”
Roberts pointed out the irony in the race, though; while there are many factors aiding in this division, the most potent are the American people themselves.
“[This election] is a close race because of deep, radical divisions in the population, but the irony is that voters want politicians to ignore these divisions and work together to lessen inaction,” said Roberts.
However, Roberts jokingly mentioned that this is not the worst America has seen.
“They’re not shooting each other, so that’s a plus!” said Roberts.
Former Student Government Vice-President and current Assistant Director of Governmental Relations, Brad Stanton, appreciated Roberts’ comments on the political divides and how SGA doesn’t have these.
“I thought her analysis on the impersonal nature of national politics was spot on. It made me realize that [Western’s] Student Government is lucky to have members that are so close and care for one another because it lets us compromise and get things accomplished for the good of the University. It frustrates me that the federal government has this problem and can’t seem to get anything done for America.”
Mary Dean, who works for Admissions in Enrollment Management, enjoyed Roberts’ ability to stay unbiased during her speech.
“I think she touched on so many issues; during this time it could have been a real political hotbed, and I think she handled that very graciously, addressing pros and cons about everyone.”
Like Walter Cronkite, Roberts encouraged Western to heart in the fact that America has been through horrible events in its past, but has forged ahead a stronger nation. But ultimately, the outcome lies on the American voters.
“But, our comfort is in our history,” said Roberts. “We have survived, and will continue to survive, but the ‘how’ depends on the voters in our country.”