What Happened to the American Statesman?

In the sepia-toned memories of American politics, there once roamed giants known as statesmen—figures whose gravitas and integrity commanded respect across party lines. Men like Senators Sam Nunn and Howard Baker, or Representative Charlie Wilson, embodied a commitment to governance and national security that seems almost alien in today’s landscape.

The Golden Era of Statesmanship

Sam Nunn: As the Democratic Senator from Georgia, Nunn was a paragon of bipartisanship and pragmatism. His work on the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program is a testament to his dedication to global security, a stark contrast to today’s fixation on soundbites and Twitter battles.

Richard Lugar: The Republican Senator from Indiana, Lugar was a stalwart of foreign policy, co-authoring the Nunn-Lugar Act and playing a crucial role in reducing the threat of nuclear weapons post-Cold War. His focus on diplomacy and arms control stands in stark contrast to today’s simplistic, zero-sum political calculations.

George Mitchell: The Democratic Senator from Maine, Mitchell was instrumental in brokering the Good Friday Agreement, which brought an end to the Troubles in Northern Ireland. His ability to facilitate dialogue and compromise was a testament to his skill as a statesman.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan: The Democratic Senator from New York, Moynihan was a towering intellectual force in the Senate, contributing to domestic and foreign policy with his sharp insights and expansive knowledge. His work on welfare reform and urban policy showcased a commitment to improving American society through thoughtful legislation.

Howard Baker: The Republican Senator from Tennessee, Baker served as Senate Majority Leader and was known as “the Great Conciliator” for his ability to bridge partisan divides. His work on the Panama Canal Treaty and his role in the Watergate hearings highlighted his dedication to national interest over party politics.

John Warner: The Republican Senator from Virginia, Warner was revered for his principled stands on defense issues, often putting national interest above partisan politics. His tenure on the Senate Armed Services Committee is a masterclass in effective governance.

Charlie Wilson: The Democratic Representative from Texas, immortalized in "Charlie Wilson’s War," was instrumental in supporting the Afghan mujahideen against Soviet forces. His efforts, though controversial, were driven by a clear strategic vision—a quality sorely missing in today’s political theater.

The Decline into Grandstanding

Compare these titans to today’s political leaders, and the contrast is both stark and disheartening. Modern politicians seem more interested in grandstanding and raising money than in crafting thoughtful policies or working across the aisle.

Ted Cruz: The Republican Senator from Texas epitomizes the decline. His recent antics during the recent Secret Service hearings, where he engaged in a shouting match instead of meaningful inquiry, illustrate a penchant for spectacle over substance.

Marjorie Taylor Greene: The Republican Representative from Georgia is another example. Her incendiary rhetoric and conspiracy-mongering serve only to polarize and distract from serious legislative work.

Matt Gaetz: The Republican Representative from Florida is infamous for his bombastic style and theatrics, often focusing more on media appearances than on substantial policy work. His actions during the impeachment hearings and his frequent social media provocations highlight this trend.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Squad: On the Democratic side, figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her fellow "Squad" members often prioritize social media clout over legislative achievements. Their focus on performative politics, while energizing their base, rarely translates into effective governance.

Josh Hawley: The Republican Senator from Missouri has made headlines more for his fist-pumping support of the January 6th rioters and his subsequent media appearances than for any significant legislative accomplishments.

Lauren Boebert: The Republican Representative from Colorado is another who epitomizes the shift towards grandstanding. Her public stunts, including carrying a gun on Capitol Hill, and her inflammatory statements often overshadow any substantive contributions she might make to policy.

Outliers Who Could Be Statesmen

Despite the prevailing trend, a few outliers exhibit the potential for true statesmanship:

Mitt Romney: The retiring Republican Senator from Utah has shown a willingness to break with his party on matters of principle, most notably during the impeachment trials of Donald Trump. His bipartisan approach to governance and his calls for civility in politics are refreshing amidst the current climate. Perhaps in his post political career he can take on a roll as a voice for rational debate in the absence of Trump.

Chris Coons: The Democratic Senator from Delaware is known for his efforts to foster bipartisanship and his work on foreign relations and judiciary matters. His ability to collaborate across the aisle on significant issues stands in stark contrast to the grandstanding of many of his peers.

Lisa Murkowski: The Republican Senator from Alaska has demonstrated independence, particularly with her votes on key issues such as healthcare and the confirmation of Supreme Court justices. Her commitment to her constituents over party lines exemplifies the qualities of a statesman.

Reasons for Their Marginalization

These outliers often find their accomplishments overshadowed by the more sensational actions of their colleagues. The reasons for this are multifaceted:

Media Focus on Conflict: The modern media landscape thrives on conflict and controversy. Stories of cooperation and thoughtful policymaking do not generate the same level of engagement as fiery rhetoric and dramatic confrontations.

Social Media Amplification: Platforms like Twitter and Facebook reward provocative statements and viral moments, creating an environment where the loudest voices often drown out more measured and nuanced discussions.

Fundraising Imperatives: The need to constantly raise campaign funds incentivizes politicians to engage in attention-grabbing behavior. Grandstanding and sensationalism are effective tools for garnering media coverage and, by extension, donations.

Public Appetite for Drama: There is a growing public appetite for political drama, with many voters drawn to politicians who present themselves as fighters against the establishment. This dynamic encourages behavior that prioritizes style over substance.

The Consequences

This shift from statesmanship to showmanship has dire consequences. Legislation stalls, bipartisan cooperation becomes a relic, and the public’s trust in government erodes. Leaders who prioritize fundraising and media appearances over policy are ill-equipped to handle the complex challenges facing the nation.

A Call for Revival

The nation is in desperate need of a revival of statesmanship. The challenges we face—climate change, global security threats, economic inequality—require leaders who possess the vision and the courage to rise above partisan squabbles. It’s time to rediscover the virtues of the past and demand more from those who seek to lead us.

In the era of Nunn, Mitchell, and Baker, politics was about governance, not grandstanding. As we reflect on their legacy, let’s hope for a return to those values. Only then can we address the pressing issues of our time with the seriousness they deserve.