Both Sides of the Aisle Outdid Themselves This Week. We Must Expect Better.

When I launched the nonpartisan, nonprofit USTomorrow several months ago, I knew our mission to reduce hyper-partisan influence would be ill-received by the far ends of the political spectrum. The people and pieces of the political machine that deliver stalemate, division, and theatrics are simply too powerful and lucrative to move aside peacefully.

I also had a hunch that America’s current political landscape would provide consistent and sustained material that would stand in contrast with our efforts toward common ground.

But I had no idea we’d be offered what we witnessed in the first two weeks of February 2020. Multiple events showed extreme versions of the rancor and disconnect that has come to characterize US politics:

In the Iowa Caucus…

• The incumbent President, controversial by any standard, won his party’s vote with over 97% of the vote. 97%. Even ice cream doesn’t get 97% when alternatives are available.
• The Iowa Democratic Party, in a stunning disconnect from real world practice of business operations, introduced a mis-managed vote counting process that created more skepticism and damaged American trust in a political system — exposing the political industrial complex determined to bunker, silo, and divide.

At the annual State of the Union Address…

• The President presented a vision for America’s future that is far from unified and declined to accept the Speaker’s outstretched hand.
• The Speaker of the US House of Representatives ripped a copy of the President’s written address one, two, three, four times while on the dais, on camera, behind the President. (I know some will lecture me about the false equivalence argument. I know its not equal but it is conduct unbecoming and only fuels further divide)

In the Senate…

• The US Senate voted — along party lines less one — to acquit a President who was impeached — along party lines less two — in the US House.

On the campaign trail…

• A majority of Democratic primary voters told NBC/WSJ they had a net positive opinion of socialism. Talk about turning the waters red.
• And at last check of the polls, a self-professed Socialist is leading the Democratic primary.

I then shared these facts in an email with USTomorrow’s growing community (which is interested in fostering cooperation and decreasing political nastiness) many readers lit me on fire. I received strong reactions quickly from three directions: Hard Red (who thought I was attacking them), Hard Blue (who thought I was attacking them), and USTomorrow’s target audience: those Reds, Blues, and none-of-aboves who no longer feel welcome in or recognize America’s political process (who expressed exhaustion and encouragement).

Here are a few excerpts (edited for anonymity, clarity, and decency). Full disclosure: these were in response to an email that was part of our 501(c)(4) capital campaign.

• These things are not equal. A broken app and a ripped up speech is not equal to acquitting a president without witnesses or documents. This isn’t a “both sides” situation. Goodbye.
• At the annual State of the Union Address… The President outlined an absolutely incredible set of accomplishments and major improvements over the past three years.
• There is no room in the middle. What side of the isle are you actually on? Please advise.
• Stop clutching your pearls about democrats objecting forcefully (heavens!) to our gangster-in-chief. Once you grow a spine, I’ll consider donating. Until then, xxxx off.
• Saw this piece on “fanatical optimism” and thought of you all. Keep fighting the good fight!
• I share your desire for a more civil dialogue between parties. But…I don’t believe this is a “both sides do it” scenario, and I do not share your optimism of changing the mindset of…low-information voters.
• Wrong. We need to get the corrupt lawbreakers out. You’re making an odious false equivalence. Take me off your mailing list.
• Best way to not get money from me. Start with “Both sides.” BOTH SIDES DON’T!!
• Please take me off your list. I cannot disagree with you more regarding your assessment of the President.
• Totally agree. I did a Facebook post about this that went viral.
• I just unsubscribed. Don’t give me this “both sides at fault” xxxx you!!!
• Do you think the time is right for a major structural change that would move us beyond the duopolistic two-party system we have? That is the premise of a book I recently published…
• “Both sides are bad…” is too cynical for me to support. Get a grip. We need to have the courage to call out wrong doing by our public officials. Romney got it right.

These examples, representing a kaleidoscope of perspective, illustrate an underlying problem. In our current political environment, even simple facts are read to meet expectations and, most often, negatively. The default response is “destroy” and rarely “deliberate.”

Outside of politics, I know the generosity of the American spirit still endures. But when it comes to politics, our civics skills evaporate. It’s not enough to say “enough is enough.” We have to mandate higher expectations where we live, providing reinforcement for those that live up to our ideals and an exit ramp for those that don’t.

I’m betting that Americans will realize those expectations are more appropriately built on shared interest than political branding. Party labels are wearing thin and USTomorrow is working to meet the growing American interest and desire to bring folks back to the process to work together. We have more in common than separates us.

If you believe we can do better and you want to help, join us at www.USTomorrow.us

Join with me on Twitter and LinkedIn as well to share your thoughts, ideas and opinions.

Joseph Kopser is a father, husband, Texas business executive, retired Army, and former congressional candidate. Today he is President of Grayline and co-founder of USTomorrow.