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March 22, 2007
Secretary of State James Baker
I had an opportunity earlier this week to hear former Secretary of State James Baker speak at the Reagan Library. The Ventura County Star did a good job of covering the speech.
Secretary Baker was candid and interesting, a rare combination that made for an enjoyable evening. However, the highlight of the evening was simply what a gentleman he was. It struck me, and many that I spoke to following the event, that his kind of class is missing in today’s politics – on both sides of the aisle. I asked a number of people to name a prominent member of either party who carries himself with the dignity and class that Secretary Baker showed in his speech and the follow-up Q&A session and not one person could offer a single example. A sad commentary on the state of politics today. Mr. Baker, thank you for reminding us of what a statesman sounds and acts like.
Comments
It's a race that would have been great to see - for many reasons.
Posted by: Scott Harris at March 22, 2007 05:33 PM
It is true. Politics has changed. For a very good look at just how it has changed, I recommend C.C. Goldwater's film biography about her grandfather and 1964 Presidential candidate, Senator Barry Goldwater. (See the attached link.)
I was particularly enlightened on this subject by the part of the film that talked about the mutual respect that Barry and John F. Kennedy had for one another and how they planned to conduct their respective campaigns for the office of President in 1964. If it had happened, it might have been the best presidential campaign ever in terms of debating ideas and nobility of conduct.
However, neither of them could have imagined the events that took place in Dallas, November 22, 1963.
Posted by: Garibaldi at March 22, 2007 11:55 AM