I just moved to Palm Beach County, Florida's 19th District, represented by Congressman Robert Wexler. And for the first time in my life, I have a Congressman who makes me proud. As pointed out earlier, Congressman Wexler and Donna Brazile were two of the most articulate, reasonable, and passionate voices at the RBC meeting. So I looked at his website. As it turned out, Congressman Wexler was holding a town hall meeting in West Boca Raton tonight. So, I went...
[update 2 - I just wanted to point out that the Wexler For Congress Campaign posted a link to a video of the town hall meeting on the bottom comment]
The district centers around southern Palm Beach County, containing large Jewish, retired, and Hispanic populations. Although its diverse, this district is mostly Clinton country. So I had to wonder what would happen after Congressman Wexler had spoken so passionately and boldly in support of Obama at the RBC meeting.
I arrived a few minutes late, and Congressman Wexler was already speaking. There were perhaps 250 people there, mostly senior citizens. I thought I could feel some tension in the room, but maybe it was just me. I stood in one corner and listened, as Congressman Wexler gave a fiery, passionate speech, which was generally applauded.
Then he finally brought up Obama. This is what everyone was waiting for. Obviously the elephant in the room for many. He stated, (and I'm paraphrasing throughout), "I think most of you know, that I have endorsed Barack Obama." Most people clapped politely, a few cheered, but just as many people booed him. He gave his respect to Hillary and then, holding up an editorial piece he continued, "but I have never seen anything more bizarre, and based on nothing, than this editorial, entitled 'Barack Obama is bad for Israel.' I would never endorse someone who was not pro-Israel. (paraphrasing) Barack Obama is a strong supporter of Israel. So is Hillary Clinton. So is John McCain. The Jewish people are in a unique position where everyone is a strong supporter of Israel."
He then spoke forcefully for Obama. At one point he accidentally called him "President Obama." Everyone laughed wildly.
When he'd finished, he took questions. The first lady immediately and concisely asked "how could you represent your constituents when you don't endorse the candidate they prefer?" Many people cheered at this comment. Congressman Wexler answered that he tries to represent his constituents, but that he also exercises his own judgment, and that when he goes to Washington he shouldn't leave his brain in Florida. Many people cheered at this.
The next lady said "I was ashamed to see your disgraceful performance on Saturday." Lots of groans. "How could you represent your constituency, while voting to take away 50% of its votes?" He answered that no one had fought harder against Howard Dean when the DNC originally tried to take away Florida's delegates, but they'd voted, and the primary campaign began in earnest, and the candidates signed a pledge, and it was unfair to bait and switch, by changing the rules halfway through. More applause.
There were other policy-related questions, until nearly the last questioner revisited Obama. "Could you please tell us more specifically why you chose Obama over Hillary?" Lots of "Yeahs!"
Congressman Wexler hit this one out of the park: "I support Barack Obama because he showed better judgment on the Iraq War, because he has remained more forcefully against it. I support him because of his stand on ethics reform, and commitment to engaging our enemies. I support him because he speaks truth to power. He spoke in front of a largely Cuban-American organization in Miami. Everyone has told this organization the same thing for 40 years. 'We're going to continue the embargo against Cuba, no monetary remittances there, no anything.' Whether or not it works, that's all any politician dares to say. Obama suggested to them we engage with Raul Castro, and take steps towards ending the embargo. Obama told a crowd in Detroit that we should increase fuel efficiency standards, and he told members of Martin Luther King's church in Atlanta that we all share some of the blame for some of the race problems in America today."
And it occurred to me, this is exactly what Congressman Wexler was doing, and did on Saturday. He was speaking forcefully and with conviction in the face of hostility. He took a courageous stand, speaking truth to power. He spoke passionately for his candidate, and for what was fair, despite the fact that it was not what his constituents necessarily wanted to hear. Congressman Wexler's support for Senator Obama has probably come at a political cost, at least in the short run. It makes me appreciate that much more his leadership in Congress and in helping to resolve the Florida primary.
Congressman Wexler has a role to play in helping to unite the Democratic Party behind Obama, and perhaps even win Florida. He certainly seems to have the character and courage to pull it off. What do you think? Obama/Wexler?
Update: I should note, for closure, that Congressman Wexler seemed to do a very good job in explaining his positions respectfully and passionately, and he didn't seem to alienate anyone. Most in the crowd appeared eager to get together and unite behind a candidate, even while some still acted somewhat bitter. Luckily, the last questioner was a 17 year-old Young Republican who tried to accuse Congressman Wexler of ignoring his Republican opponent, which united everyone in face of a common enemy. We can only hope that John McCain begins to throw a few more punches, or does something that sufficiently outrages everyone.
Thanks for all the kind comments and compliments, folks!