Tributes have been pouring in for Jack Kemp. All deserved. In an ironic sense, Jack Kemp’s ideals set the stage for the Democratic resurgence.
Kemp was an eternal optimist. He was a “yes we can” kind of a guy, not a “party of no” kind of guy.
Kemp was a fiscal conservative and socially liberal.
Kemp believed in a big tent, not a narrow-minded purist ideology.
Kemp believed in immigrants rights.
Kemp, like his running mate Bob Dole, believed in bipartisanship. He had opponents, but no enemies.
Kemp believed in empowering all.
Kemp was post-racial.
Kemp was a “bleeding heart” conservative.
Kemp could be a pain in the ass, for both parties, because of his boundless energy to explore and debate new ideas. And he had plenty of ideas.
He was, in essence, what the new Democratic party has become. Not policy-wise, not with respect to economic philosophy, but with a profound belief, respect and understanding of the American people.
Thanks Jack. We’ll miss you.
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