Senator Danforth Visits
Former U.S. Senator Jack Danforth spoke at morning assembly and then visited history classes on Friday, December 2.
In his comments to the student body, Senator Danforth briefly explained his experience in elective politics. He told students that he served in elected offices for 26 years, first as Missouri’s attorney general and then as a member of the U.S. Senate (1976-94). He said that he ran for office six times. He lost one time. “I spent a big chunk of my life in politics. It’s not pretty. It’s not for everyone. But I loved it. It was very exciting, it was different every day, and the issues were important and interesting.” Danforth added, however, that he’s not so sure he would like a career in politics as much today. “Today’s polarization is excessive.”
Danforth went on to say that the decision to pursue a career in politics is a personal one, but he gave the students some questions they should ask themselves if they are considering politics:
- “Can you handle losing?” He explained that his first Senate re-election campaign was particularly close, and he was concerned that he might lose. “Nobody likes to lose. It feels awful, especially if you are the incumbent. Can you take that?” The only way to avoid it is to not try.
- “Is it all about you?” Are you so committed to your ambition that anything goes? If that’s all it is, it’s a really bad deal . . . you are willing to promise anything to get elected, and you pander to the worst instincts of humankind.”
- “How do you feel about compromise? Some say ‘I stand on principle,’ but if that’s it, then there is only debate, no resolution. We’ve lost our ability to work things out. THE principle is holding this diverse country together.”
Senator Danforth next posed a question to himself. “Can [one person] make a difference? Can [one person] make the world a better place? My answer is: absolutely, yes. But it may not be in the way you think.” Some politicians think that if they can just write the right bill and get that bill passed, then they can solve the problem. “I don’t think the way to change the world is to legislate. I think the way to change the world is simply to be an admirable human being. The greatest compliment is when someone says, ‘I do not always agree with you, but I respect you.’ What really changes the world is being an admirable person. You can do that if you run for politics, and you can do that if you don’t run for politics. And you don’t have to be the ‘best’ in anything to be an admirable person.”
Danforth then opened the floor to questions:
- One student said she liked the senator’s ideas on religion and politics but wondered how that worked for him, as a politician and an ordained Episcopal priest. He said, “Religious people have been involved in politics since Moses confronted Pharaoh.” But when religion and politics are connected, it can be very divisive, especially if you say, ‘My position is God’s position.’ There’s a big difference in our perception of what’s right and God’s.”
- Another student asked how you change a system that is not working, that lacks civility and compromise. Senator Danforth said, “It’s easier to diagnose the problem than to cure it.” He said, “Diversity is an important value.” Race, religious and ethnic diversity are very important, but diversity of ideas, ways of thinking, of opinion are also good. “It’s important to try to get to know people — and hopefully like people — who think differently from you. Don’t segregate from people with different opinions. That’s polarization. You can disagree. It’s just politics. It’s not theology. It’s a difference of opinion, and that’s America.”
- A third student asked how “admirable" people get elected. Senator Danforth responded by saying, “Maybe they won’t. … But it’s worth trying.”
With that, the bell rang, and students were dismissed to classes, where Senator Danforth talked to students in smaller groups.
The evening before his visit with Burroughs students, Senator Danforth spoke to parents, alumni and friends on the same subject.
