Blanche Lincoln Democratic Debate answers
Opening Statement“Hello and thank you for having me. It’s been an honor to serve as the first woman Vice President in this nation’s history. We’ve made incredible progress since I was elected alongside President Bredesen, but we must not get complacent. I want to make the historic election of a woman to this nation’s highest office coincide with progress in energy independence, a world class education system, and major reform to our government agencies to better help the average worker.
Senator Sanders’ run for President was the showing of a healthy democracy. It proved that the Democratic Party is a big tent party, with room for President Bredesen and Bernie Sanders. Now, I’ve said for a while that I’m a radical moderate, but I will absolutely choose a progressive for Vice President. I will also pursue progressive goals in equal pay, women’s rights, and the environment. I have a track record for getting stuff done.
The President knows this is an area where I disagree with him. It is way past time to scale back entanglements in Iraq. I will personally pursue a less aggressive foreign policy, especially in areas that we are in danger of overstepping our role. America should serve as the world’s firefighter, not its police force.”
This is the perfect example of us stepping up as firefighters. We see that Turkey and Russia are playing with matches, so we need to halt these reckless actions. First, we need an international coalition in the UN to decry any country, not just Turkey, who tries to stoke authoritarianism. The next step is that we must use sanctions to tell Russia to keep out of the way of progress. I truly believe that we can use a strong arm without moving toward boots on the ground.
I am so happy to carry the legacy of women like Geraldine Ferraro, Shirley Chisholm, and my home state’s own, Hattie Caraway. I was overjoyed to serve as Vice President, however, I am an independent voice with my own vision for the country. I will lead us in a less interventionalist foreign policy direction. I will push for greener and more independent energy production. The President’s legacy is one that should not only be protected, but expanded on. That’s what I will do as President.
Closing StatementIn 2008, America made history, electing me alongside President Bredesen. This year, we have nearly as much uncertainty as we had then. The answer is not to throw away the progress that this administration has made, but to build upon it. If you nominate me, I will protect your rights as workers, expand energy jobs of tomorrow, and work tirelessly to bring our troops into safety. It is incumbent on all of us to bend the arc of this country towards justice, and to not get complacent with the progress this administration has ushered in. Let’s make history, America.
