Alan Keyes is actually making sense

In the aftermath of his embarrassing and expected defeat at the hands of Barack Obama, Alan Keyes has actually impressed me. He refused to call Obama to congratulate him -- a longstanding tradition in politics -- because, he said, "I'm supposed to make a call that represents the congratulations toward the triumph of that which I believe ultimately stands for and will stand for a culture evil enough to destroy the very soul and heart of my country. I can't do this, and I will not make a false gesture."

Of course, I don't agree with Keyes on what he considers "evil." But still, I love that he feels so passionately that he won't call the other guy up and wish him well. I'd like more politicians to do this, including Kerry. After all, a campaign is defined by two or more people trying to convince voters that there is a yawning gap between them, and that the other person is dangerous. That's what both Bush and Kerry said about each other. Why pretend like that divide has disappeared after election day?

What's all this "I spoke to President Bush ... and we talked about the danger of division in our country and the need -- the desperate need for unity, for finding the common ground, coming together" that Kerry said at his concession speech? How's that supposed to help Democratic voters? How's that supposed to stand up for the side Kerry fought for, when he knows damn well that Bush isn't going to suddenly decide to think of liberals in a kinder light? I'd have loved to hear him say something like this:

"We may have lost today, but I want history to hear me right now. I want these words to be written down and put somewhere safe, and read in four years. And what I have to say is this: America, I respect your decision, but you have done yourself harm. In four years, our relationship with the world will be worse, our economy will be worse, and the civil rights our forefathers fought and died for will be fewer. If that's not so, then let me go down as history's fool. But it's what I believe, and it's what I based my campaign on stopping, so I feel no shame in leaving this stage with that same theme. And if my words ring true, then I'll be sad. I'll be sad because this nation is suffering. But I'll also have hope, that we can think of this moment -- right now, this very moment -- and learn from our mistakes. We can improve our ability to select good leaders. I can't promise I would have perfect, but I would have liked the opportunity to try. And I wish Mr. Bush well -- not because I have faith in him, but because I must have faith in him. He is at the helm of our ship, for better or for worse, and I do not want to see our ship go down."

Cocky and self-important? Sure, but isn't that what a campaign is all about anyway? Just think of the purpose it would serve: his concession speech basically dismissed his own arguments, but this would have stood by them. It would have given his followers some fire. It would have been true to the message his campaign spent millions to spread.

And so, I call on all politicians: when you lose, stand by your convictions. Don't shake hands and make nice. Nobody benefits from that.

Posted by Jason Feifer at November 5, 2004 12:18 AM