President Theodore Roosevelt (Library of Congress)
Obama as the Next Roosevelt
The Democratic Presidential Hopeful Might Be More TR Than JFK
By Joshua Hawley
05/23/2008
| 6 Comments
Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) may be a different kind of Democrat, but in one respect his candidacy looks formulaic: like virtually every Democrat to run for president in the last 30 years, Obama seems intent on mimicking the style of John F. Kennedy. This is not surprising. JFK remains a cultural icon, representing Democrats’ best conception of themselves. But given Obama’s aspiration to practice a transformative politics in this season of discontent, Kennedy may not be the senator’s best role model. The man he really wants to be is Theodore Roosevelt.
Roosevelt came to office in an era of social and economic upheaval much like our own. A new-model economy, fueled by massive business conglomerations that the press called “trusts,” flushed the country with unprecedented wealth, even as it destroyed old trades and industries. The industrial boom sent standards of living soaring, but also produced glaring inequality and a pervasive sense of cultural disorientation.
Meanwhile, immigrants arrived at the nation’s shores in staggering volume, straining cities’ social infrastructures and upending urban politics. As the century began, Americans found themselves prosperous, yet imperiled; blessed with undreamt-of opportunities, yet uncertain of the future.
The parallels to the present are too stark to miss, and make Roosevelt’s response worth noting. More than any other political figure of his era, Roosevelt understood Americans’ discontent. He diagnosed the nation’s anomie as, most fundamentally, a fear that the circumstances of the new century were undermining the American form of democratic life. In response, Roosevelt called the country to a new politics of republican reform aimed at preserving the social institutions and civic habits that made self-government possible.
For Roosevelt, the politics of reform was a politics of transformation. He believed fervently in the capacity of individual citizens to improve themselves and, acting together, to improve the world.
Indeed, democracy was for Roosevelt a continuing project in moral betterment. “Self-government is not an easy thing,” Roosevelt said in 1905. “Only those communities are fit for it in which the average individual practices the virtues of self-command, of self-restraint, and of wise disinterestedness.” Democracy required good character. It required citizens to become good people. And government, he thought, had a role to play.
Roosevelt wanted to use government to make the industrial age hospitable to self-rule. His programs—regulation of working conditions, a minimum wage and tax benefits to promote marriage and family, to name a few—were meant to secure a civic environment in which citizens could acquire the character traits necessary for democracy. Roosevelt saw these as personal independence, sympathy for one’s fellow citizens and, above all, commitment to the larger community that was the nation.
Eventually this logic led Roosevelt to advocate what we would call a social welfare state. Though he was never much interested in projects to redistribute wealth, he firmly believed government welfare policies could be used to give every American a fair chance “to show the stuff that was in him.” Government’s meliorative powers could be a means to foster democratic character in individual citizens.
Today Obama is calling for a new politics of shared purpose to transcend the familiar divisions of right and left. He could learn a lot from Roosevelt. At its best, Obama’s “yes, we can” rhetoric gestures toward Roosevelt’s central insight that democracy requires us to better ourselves and our society. It requires us, each generation, to rejuvenate the moral and social foundations of our national life. Embracing that theme forthrightly would deepen the senator’s message—give it real content and provide inspiration for a truly transformative agenda.
If preserving self-government in Roosevelt’s day involved curbing the destructive tendencies of the industrial economy, preserving it today might require a new tax code to promote savings, investment, and social mobility. It might involve education reform to provide all Americans the skills necessary to succeed in the technological age along with the knowledge necessary to participate meaningfully in the country’s political life. It might mean restructuring America’s health-care system to ensure broad access to the fruits of medical innovations, and political reform to strip lobbyists’ influence and change the way Washington does business.
A politics focused on preserving self-government is, as Roosevelt showed, a politics that can unite left and right. It draws on the conservative insight that political liberty is impossible without a healthy, robust civil society. And it incorporates the liberal conviction that government can be a force for that society’s good.
Most important, in our age of cynicism and resignation, this politics offers real hope for the future, by challenging Americans to live up to their identity as a free people. “Here we are not ruled over by others,” Roosevelt once said, “we rule ourselves.” Consequently, “we have the responsibilities of sovereigns, not of subjects.”
America can be a better place, we can be better people, if we take up the responsibilities of freedom. If Obama wants to deliver change Americans can believe in, Roosevelt's message is one he should preach.
Joshua Hawley is the author of "Theodore Roosevelt: Preacher of Righteousness." He is now a judicial clerk to Chief Justice John Roberts on the U.S. Supreme Court.
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© 2007 The Washington Independent
Comments:
Posted 05/24/2008 04:56am with
This is a terrific piece and 100% great advice. As a British author and big fan of Anglo/American history I have read tons of material about most US presidents. Two stand out: TR head and shoulders above all others for his bravery, daring and also, surprisingly, genuine humility. (I could go on, but best not…) Number two is Grover Cleveland, or Grover the Good – aspects of whose approach to politics generally, and in particular his aversion towards American imperialism seem to me (but who I am to say?) worthy of Obama’s consideration.
Posted 05/25/2008 11:39am with
Mr. Hawley,
The millions of people that stand in long lines to apply for a visa at every US consulate across the world signal that America is not such a bad place. The millions of undocumented immigrants signal that America is not such a bad place. The lack of Americans emigrating to other countries, also signals that America is not such a bad place. America is not a bad place. Some Americans make it seem that America is a bad place.
IMO, any place can be better. Everyone everywhere should strive for moral excellence. However, we need to realize that there will be no heaven on earth.
If elected, Mr. Obama can not solve my problems or your problems. However, he can use the Executive platform, without using coercion, to challenge Americans to work together to help all Americans to strive for moral excellence.
To me, if we as Americans will treat our institutions and the services they provide as a benefit instead of an entitlement, a lot of the discontent will wane. For years governments services have been given out as and used as gifts or handouts by corporate and individual recipients without, civic or moral obligation. Recipients, corporate and individual, of government largess must recognize that they have a civic and moral responsibilty to conduct themseleves with integrity and dignity. In addition, more fortunate Americans need to recognize the dangers, difficulties and challenges that our less fortunate Americans deal with on daily basis, and develop a conscience to become a agent for communtiy and societal embetterment.
In conclusion, it would help if there was a treatise of American Civic Ethics that all Americans regardless, race, color, creed, or religion that respects our individuality and cultural differences within the boundaries of law. Liberty should not be mistaken for libertine.
Posted 06/02/2008 01:23pm with
Though he was never much interested in projects to redistribute wealth, he firmly believed government welfare policies could be used to give every American a fair chance “to show the stuff that was in him.” Government’s meliorative powers could be a means to foster democratic character in individual citizens.
what? never much interested in wealth redistribution? you’ve got to be kidding! he implemented enormous taxes on the very wealthy and corporations, which taxes supported the programs that vastly expanded the middle class.
it was the expansion of the middle class and the narrowing of the disparity of income between rich and poor that created unprecedented prosperity and economic growth for an extended period of time.
by contrast, reagan’s “voodoo economics” does just the opposite. he drastically cut taxes for the wealthiest and for corporations with the promise that these tax cuts would stimulate economic growth and that would trickle down to the working people.
it was a lie then and it’s a lie now. economic growth and general prosperity is stimulated when working people have more money to spend, not less. the rich don’t spend their tax cuts, they just tuck that $$ away somewhere. when working people get extra $$, it’s back in the economy, creating demand for products that can then (or at least would have, had we not sold out our manufacturing base) be manufactured and sold. everyone benefits when working people have more $$ in their pockets. only the rich benefit from the policies of virtually every president since reagan.
we need to stand up and speak the truth: wealth needs to be distributed for the benefit of all.
Posted 06/15/2008 04:41pm with
Obama is not even close to having a plan or the thought process to speak without a telepromptor, let alone formulate a logical decision for the economy. John McCain’s plan is already in the works without his being elected in 2008. Seriously, Joshua… You need to look things over, regroup and follow someone who has spent his life serving our nation. That man is John McCain, the Progressive Republican who is so much like Theodore Roosevelt, they must share the same spirit.
Find my number, call me and help get the right man elected for the good of America.
Progressive Candidate John McCain comes through for America with his 3R economic plan. In the aura of Theodore Roosevelt, McCain’s plan just makes sense.
1. RETHINK: America must rethink the global views on what America is capable of in our current state of technology, engineering and the demands that face the world.
“RETHINK” in terms of re-action means to set forth this plan.
Most Americans know where the USA falls short in the ways of manufacturing and valuable jobs.
It’s time to meet the change of global demands with Made in USA quality and a new American workforce. Oddly enough, the framework is ready and waiting for this plan and active participation. The Progressive attitude of John McCain to get things done will resurrect America.
2. REFORM: America must rise to these demands and compete aggressively in a global economy. We must demand higher quality products and less restricted trade routes for Made in USA components.
“RE-FORM” is simple to comprehend as through John McCain’s Progressive attitudes, the USA will reform our manufacturing and hit it full steam ahead!
Made in USA has always meant highest quality products at moderate prices. The difference today is, we save loose change with Imported Chinese junk products, but few high paying jobs exist to do anything except buy the cheaper foreign-made products.
3. REINVENT: America and Americans must reinvent themselves to reach and maintain these standards and by sheer American ingenuity, control the world’s marketplace in the competitive manner, as we have always been proud to rule. Can you hear Theodore Roosevelt shouting this?
“RE-INVENT” is the exciting part of McCain’s 3R plan.
Americans in need of a future and without the desire, funding or free time to spend 2 to 8 years in college can go back to a re-invented manufacturing education. McCain’s formula allows these new students, young and old, to be paid a moderate paycheck while learning their new skills and leadership roles in hands on classrooms! Without costing taxpayers or the US government additional funds, we can literally change the face of America and the world.
Learning the skills required in order to become the American driving force behind new USA manufacturing boom, many Americans will also gain the skills to become the CEOs and leaders of their own USA Mfg arenas. Leading a group of people who love their new lifestyle is not difficult and Americans have been proving American ingenuity and leadership since Theodore Roosevelt’s Progressive Republican era.
Initial estimates of 1 in 5 students will go on to begin his or her own company and drive even more Americans into a viable lifestyle with real jobs, real benefits and a retirement to look forward to. Many students will combine forces and create successful joint ventures.
America has the means to follow through with John McCain’s 3R plan, ready and in place across the USA. The buildings we need sit vacant for the most part. America has millions of people screaming for new and improved jobs.
Senator McCain has provided the new guard for Social Security, the promise of retirement and the dreams that can be realized by Americans who would otherwise be lost or at the mercy of a dying workforce. This is the new workforce for American’s future.
By assuming leases on abandoned stores and factories across America with MC-3R schools and mini-manufacturing training centers, the USA made products can be sold and support the stores. Building owners write off the loss in taxes over a few years!
Although the thousands of new businesses manufacturing USA Made products is exciting enough, the real excitement comes from the massive amount of additional jobs that will be created to provide the new housing, new buildings, new parks, shopping, grocery stores, schools, government outlets and so much more.
The Key PROBLEM with the housing slump and the huge crude oil buy-out is not from greedy developers or greedy oil companies, but from the desire to locate and invest in the era’s best investments. Housing was #1 until the investment funds were pulled and crude oil took its place as a commodity. McCain will get us out of the mess that threatens the world’s economy.
These three R’s will be accomplished by the McCain express and through wealthy American entrepreneurs who were once able to invest in America’s manufacturing capabilities but have since fallen into investments that have caused catastrophic world economy failure.
McCain’s Progressive nature embodies Theodore Roosevelt more than any other US presidential candidate in history since. We need John McCain to lead our nation.
Posted 06/30/2008 12:37am with
JOHN McCAIN’S 3R ECONOMIC PLAN 2008
Abbreviated version
Progressive Republican Candidate John McCain comes through for America with his 3R economic plan. In the persona of Theodore Roosevelt, McCain’s plan just makes sense.
NUTS AND BOLTS of the plan are simple.
The US needs a separate tax revenue source before it can move away from fossil energy fuels which supply hundreds of billions of dollars in taxes for state and federal agencies.
Here is the John McCain 3R solution.
McCain’s 3R is about technical, closely monitored and rapid hands on training from pros to create new pros. Thousands of currently-job-displaced “once leaders in the manufacturing arena” will be asked to train and play instructor rolls in the 3R plan.
Paid, of course, as these new leaders will help create a whole new style of prosperous America. A massive restructure providing thousands of new American MFG companies means millions of new jobs for infrastructure alone.
1. RETHINK: America must see globally on what America is capable of in our current state of technology, engineering and meet the demands that face the world.
“RE-Think” the basic job goals involve the dwindling retirement, health care and social security plans that are failing Americans. With a strong base and a higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) America has a new bargaining chip in the way we live and the ways we retire.
Private Sector framework is in place and current laws allow the 3R to happen. The Progressive attitude of John McCain to get things done by crossing party lines will resurrect America.
2. REFORM: The American people must demand higher quality products and less restricted trade routes for Made in USA components. We will lead the way of MFG again!
The USA will reform its dead manufacturing base to create the most innovative and green-engineered products possible. We will compete in a world market along with other high quality products. Our Private Sector teams are making this reality now.
3. REINVENT: America and Americans must reinvent themselves to reach and maintain these standards and by sheer American ingenuity, control the world’s marketplace in the competitive manner, as the USA has always been proud to be #1.
Americans are going back to McCain’s 3R-schooling program where they are paid to reinvent their skills and learn new skills to design and lead their personal LLC, Corporation or joint venture company. That’s easy enough to comprehend and just as easy to implement.
The 3R plan is designed as a six-month rapid advancement system. Graduates may return for additional skill enhancements from time to time, or step up after new advanced training in executive management.
While manufacturing is a very important part of this plan, thousands of other new businesses must to be created to meet the new surge of 3R manufacturing industries to create a new era of prosperous Americans.
Initial estimates of 1 in 5 students will begin his or her own company and drive even more Americans into a viable lifestyle with real jobs, real benefits and a retirement to look forward to.
This 3R plan will be done without costing taxpayers (or the government) additional funds. America has the means to follow through with John McCain’s 3R plan, ready and in place across the USA. The buildings we need sit vacant for the most part. By assuming leases on abandoned stores and factories across America with MC-3R schools and mini-manufacturing training centers, the USA made products can be sold and support the stores. Building owners write off the loss in taxes over a few years if they donate the space!
This is the new place for financial speculators to invest!
The speculators who first drove the economy with mortgage investments and most recently with crude oil investments have a better arena for their investments. America as nation of industrious individuals who want to work and want to succeed will make them huge profits. The supply of eager Americans with ideas and dreams to prosper is limitless.
Although the thousands of new businesses manufacturing USA Made products is exciting enough, the real excitement comes from the massive amount of additional jobs that will be created to provide the new housing, new buildings, new parks, shopping, grocery stores, schools, government outlets and so much more.
McCain’s Progressive nature embodies Theodore Roosevelt more than any US presidential candidate in history since the original Rough Rider blazed the greatest era of growth in America.
We need John McCain to lead our nation with the same type of change.
Posted 07/02/2008 11:35am with
This article is close, but doesn’t quite get the correct Roosevelt. I think that Obama will model himself after FDR rather than TR.
After eight years of gross mismanagement by GWB and two decades of class warfare by the GOP, Obama will have to rescue us from a deepening depression and save the middle class from extinction.
Completing the New Deal with updated programs will put us back on track.