President Donald Trump’s address to Congress Tuesday night reiterated much of his administration’s assertive agenda, which has signaled a significant shift in U.S. domestic and international policy.
Noted by multiple news outlets as one of the most politically partisan presidential speeches to the combined houses of Congress, Trump’s speech prompted embarrassing responses from Democrats.
Democrats, disparaged Trump, and his speech prior to its delivery, and many failed to show up at all. Many of those that did attend acted more like elementary schoolchildren than elected leaders, with some sporting color-coordinated wardrobes, which supposedly held some kind of symbolism, and many holding up little signs that made them appear they were bidding at an art auction. The signs had clever messages like “THAT’S A LIE,” “SAVE MEDICAID,” and “NOT TRUE.”
Then, during Trump’s speech, one Democratic Congressperson was removed for his failure to quit yelling, and many others in his party chose to walk out, another truly professional look and a great way to get their message across, if the message is “we don’t like Trump, but we don’t know what else to do.”
While civil disobedience has historical significance, such actions during a formal address by the nation’s president may be perceived as disrespectful and may alienate moderate voters who favor dialogue over confrontation. Stephen Colbert, expressing his frustration with the Democratic response on his live show after the speech, held up his own prop, “TRY DOING SOMETHING.”
In Trump’s 99-minute speech, the President touted a rapid implementation of actions such as withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, the World Health Organization, and the UN Human Rights Council, reaffirming his commitment to an “America First” doctrine.
He restated his intentions to impose myriad tariffs, admitting that his previous position that tariffs won’t hurt consumers could be erroneous. And he, once again, claimed U.S. ownership of the Panama Canal and the right to absorb Greenland into the U.S.
Domestically, Trump unapologetically defended efforts to control illegal immigration and to reduce government waste regardless of the hardships inflicted on the people involved. He re-proposed tax cuts on tips, overtime, and social security earnings, and pledged to reduce personal and corporate income tax rates, despite the fact that tax rates are significantly lower than they were in the Reagan years, and that we seem to continue ignoring a $36 trillion national debt. The President’s America-First rhetoric was infused with patriotism, claiming that with his administration, we are in a “Golden Age of America,” perhaps a reference to his new immigration “Gold Card,” where rich people can buy U.S. citizenships.
While I may strongly disagree with much of this President’s message, I am dismayed by the actions of the opposition party. If you disagree with the direction we are headed, don’t just rock the boat; help set the course.
Every idea from the other side is not necessarily bad. I want my Congress to find ways to collaborate. I’m tired of being embarrassed by the leaders we have chosen, from both parties.
I wrote my Congressperson yesterday, urging him to stand with Ukraine. I encourage others to contact him to remind him that the Ukraine people are victims of an unprovoked attack on their sovereign country by a ruthless dictator, who has caused irreparable destruction and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.
Let’s remind Lindsey Graham, and others what they thought two weeks ago, “You’re the ally I’ve been hoping for all my life,” Graham said to Zelenskyy on February 14 (yes, he said that last month). “Not one American has died defending Ukraine. You’ve taken our weapons, and you’ve kicked their ass.” “I’m very proud to have you as our ally,” Graham continued. No member of Congress defines hypocrisy better than Graham, a human weathervane that turns as the wind blows.
Freshman Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin delivered the official Democratic rebuttal to Trump’s speech on Tuesday, and positioned herself as a moderate voice seeking bipartisan collaboration. Drawing inspiration from former Republican President Ronald Reagan, Slotkin criticized Trump’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine war and his domestic policies, arguing that they deviated from core American values and harmed the middle class.
While not offering many real policy solutions, she at least offered the appearance of seeking bi-partisan solutions in her ten-minute talk. It’s too bad that so many of her colleagues decided to take a less professional approach.
I have been critical of Donald Trump, but he is the President. And rude, disrespectful behavior by the other side does not boost their position.
Instead of relying on props and unprofessional displays of dissent, the Democratic party needs to offer a compelling alternative vision. Their antics on Tuesday are unlikely to sway public opinion to their position, whatever that may be. To regain political momentum, Democrats need to find dynamic leadership and begin to articulate clear policies that address the concerns of American voters. In other words, TRY DOING SOMETHING.
Curt MacRae is a resident of Coldwater, MI, and publishes his opinions regularly.
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