Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, is a book about President Lincoln and his cabinet. Some cabinet members had previously run against Lincoln.
Lincoln believed ideas should be considered on merit, not on whose ideas they were.
Has this forum perhaps lost that way of thinking recently, and in fact some members choose to not think for themselves anymore? Instead every idea is vetted only on the basis of who presented it?
My sometimes humble opinion is that the Debates Forum would benefit from members taking a moment to think for themselves. If you agree, take a look at these ideas and think about if maybe some of these ideas resonate with you.
This is not a trick and I am not calling anyone out. No need to respond - and I know a majority won’t. That fine - arguing is not the point. The point is reading and thinking for ourselves today. And maybe growing as a group - our own little team of rivals.
1) “The era of big Government is over.”
2) “We’re going to have insurance for everybody.”
3) “True love for our people requires us to find common ground, to advance the common good, and to cooperate on behalf of every American child who deserves a much brighter future.”
4) “In fact, we are the indispensable nation. People all over the world look to us and follow our lead.”
5) “I’m very liberal when it comes to health care. I believe in universal health care.”
6) “We are going to take on the special interests that have rigged the system against everyday Americans.”
7) “I believe in American exceptionalism with every fiber of my being.”
8) “I believe in clean air, immaculate air. I believe in clean water.”
9) “I… reserve the right to act unilaterally if necessary to defend my nation.”
10) “When the federal government spends taxpayers’ money, we should use it to buy American products and support American jobs.”
11) “We should ensure that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage…”
12) “Even as we are a nation of immigrants, we’re also a nation of laws.”
13) “We will not hesitate to act alone, if necessary, and without seeking permission…”
14) “My administration wants to work with members of both parties to make childcare accessible and affordable…”
15) “I will fight to bring us all together as Americans.”
16) “A cyberattack on our power grid, our financial system, or our air traffic control system would be treated just like any other attack.”
17) “As your President, I will do everything in my power to protect our LGBTQ citizens from the violence and oppression of a hateful foreign ideology.”
18) “Everyone should be respected by the law, and everyone should respect the law.”