The Private Lives of Public Figures
Joe Biden presents a stunning opportunity to speak to the question of whether a politician's private life matters in relation to his or her public service. In recent history, the likes of John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Gary Hart, Barney Frank, Bill Clinton, Jim McGreevy and most recently, John Edwards have all been the object of scrutiny and analysis for behavior in their private lives. In fact, if time and space permitted it, we could compile a list back to and including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
So the question is: When electing a person to public office, how much does it matter who they are privately vs. how well they perform their public service? Personally I am conflicted on this issue and my conflict was renewed yesterday by an e-mail I received which was then followed by Joe Biden's introduction at the Democratic National Convention by his son, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden.
As a parent, it was incredibly moving and heart-warming to see the obvious love and respect that this young man has for, as he put it, "my hero, my father." Biden's exemplary parenting and dedication to his two sons who survived the auto accident that killed Biden's wife and daughter is remarkable. His priorities seem to be on very straight. Commencing at age 29, he made his boys his mission, all the while diligently tending to the duties of his job as a United States Senator. And because I had the privilege of working with him briefly in the 1980's, I have some personal knowledge of his character and commitment. And he's got that down-to-earth charisma going for him as well. So it was exhilarating to see him chosen as Obama's running mate.
Then came the e-mail.
It was from a friend who is a strong advocate of U.S. support for Israel and a hawk in relation to Iran and other Islamic fundamentalist nations. The content of the e-mail were actual cites to legislation that Biden did not sign onto that were either pro-Israel or anti-terrorism or anti-Iranian. There were also links to articles that address Biden's voting record vs. his rhetoric, that raise the question of how realistic he has been, or how effective his approach has been, to dealing with the threat of Iran and it's leaders.
So here's the dilemma.
I was very outspoken on the shame that Bill Clinton brought to the White House by his adulterous and adolescent behavior. I believed then, and still do, that he set an appalling example and lowered the moral bar for many. And the contrast with the Bush's marital relationship and their apparent values is undeniable. But here's the thing. Both men were elected to lead and manage the nation. And it's indisputable that in almost every analysis, Clinton did it better both domestically and internationally. So while I prefer the public image of the Bush relationship and both the dignity and mutual respect they project, in the end I'm voting for an effective public servant who positively impacts, and ideally improves, national and foreign policies. With that criteria, Clinton trumps Bush hands down.
Now, back to Joe Biden.
He's a decent man. An admirable father. A dedicated public servant. And his choice and nomination as presented on television was stirring. But governing isn't about image or made-for-TV-character videos or theatrical productions. Governing is about moving the county on a continued trajectory toward it's highest good while protecting it from external harm. It's about policies, not patinas, that get those two missions accomplished.
Next week, the Republicans will have their turn (along with their media experts) to dazzle us with glitz and glamor and similarly tug at our heartstrings. My suggestion is that when all the hype is over, and all the candidates in place, we actually investigate and read their public service records...their congressional voting records...determine their real stance...on the issues that matter to us before we vote.
As a former divorce lawyer who marketed a video for people going through divorce, I used to tell women that generally, unless they are educated in advance, they tend to pick a divorce lawyer on personality. Without knowledge of the process and their needs, on what other basis could they possibly choose one? And I would always follow-up that observation and say to them "that's how you pick a date. Not a lawyer."
The same hold true for a President or Vice President.
It's not how they play on TV, it's not how their personal story moves us, it's what issues have they championed? When have they stood up and been counted? And for what have they stood? Its not who they tell us they are but what, in fact, they have done about what they believe in...and how long have they done it with consistency.
I really like Joe Biden.
Now I'm really going to read the record.
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