Convictions
A friend of mine was heavily into Republican politics…organizing at the local level, hosting luncheon meetings, and working for candidates. About 25 years ago, he decided to publicly endorse Dr. Alan Keyes for president. At the time, Keyes was polling at the bottom of the field and was given no chance at winning.
I asked my friend why he made the endorsement. He said the more he heard Keyes speak, the more he found himself agreeing with the candidate…but then he’d think, “Oh, he doesn’t have a chance. Too bad.” My friend said it finally occurred to him that if everyone took that view…well, of course he wouldn’t win…and that it was far better to endorse those who had the right views and positions, the ones that squared most clearly with yours.
You might recall that Alan Keyes finished third in the 2000 caucuses, behind George W. Bush and Steve Forbes…no one else in the field even scored double digit percentages.
I’ve thought of that often over time, especially since my friend left us far too soon…it comes up when people ask me why we put certain declared candidates on the air, because they don’t stand a chance.
My view is until there are votes cast…we don’t know who has a chance and who does not. And if we don’t share all the voices with you, how can you make the best decision come January 15?
Alan Keyes wasn’t predicted to finish in the top 3 in Iowa…but he did because enough Iowans voted with their heads and their hearts, and not national conventional wisdom.
That’s why Iowa is the best place for this unique experiment in democracy called the American Experience to start every four years. We’ll do our part, so you can do yours.
