Hobart and William Smith Colleges

26 September 2008 Talking Politics and Primaries

On Thursday, Sept. 25, Hobart and William Smith welcomed back one its own alumni when Republican politician Richard Rosenbaum 52, P86 delivered the first 2008-2009 Presidents Forum Series lecture of the 2008-2009 academic year. Rosenbaums lecture, centered on his new book No Room for Democracy: The Triumph of Ego Over Common Sense, and covered topics from the primaries to personal interactions with notable politicians throughout Rosenbaums distinguished career in politics.

After reflecting on his close work with influential politicians, such as serving under Governor Nelson Rockefeller and U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Rosenbaum offered his expert insights on the current Presidential election. The primaries were instituted to give people a say. Wellthey didnt give people a say, he said. They just give cover to the leaders. If you look at the statistics from the primaries, Obama has done remarkable things in getting the vote out but the percentages arent anywhere near where youd expect.

Rosenbaum concluded that, They [the public] wanted primaries but dont vote. It undermines the entire primary system.

The last great political convention was in 1976 between President Ford and Governor Reagan, Rosebaum said. The vote went to the end of the roll call. Thats the last time thats happened. Now, primaries are little more than cheerleading sections.

Looking at the greater landscape of politics and politicians, Rosenbaum said, Theres too much acrimony and hard feelings between politicians. In my day, we got along. We could be on opposite sides, but we still got along. In fact, when I ran for State Supreme Court, Id just defeated through a well-devised strategy the Democrats in Monroe County in Rochester. But when I later ran for Supreme Court, the Democrats endorsed me along with Republicans, the Liberals and the Conservatives.

I didnt really have a contest, Rosenbaum explained. Why? Im smart enough to know that theres no point in fighting with or insulting my opponents.

Encouraging his audience not to hold back, Rosenbaum opened the floor to a candid question and answer session. Mr. Rosenbaum, what do you think of the $700 billion bailout? Do you think its wiser to wait until after the election to work it out? an HWS student asked. Although Im not an expert on economics, I dont think it can wait-the situation is dire, Rosenbaum said.

What are your views on the Electoral College, Mr. Rosenbaum? How is it that it comes down to the five states with the most votes? another student posed. I think that the Electoral College is kind of a waste of time, Rosenbaum said. Ive been an elector and you vote the way youre told to vote, and you vote for the person who carried the vote anywayI think that the whole system should be reviewed with possible reform toward the popular vote domineering in elections.

Fielding a host of questions from his audience of HWS students, faculty and staff, Rosenbaum continued to offer insights on topics ranging from the U.S.-China economic situation to Governor Palin and her potential as a vice presidential candidate. When asked if the Bush administration tarnished the Republican Party and the future of the Conservative Movement, Rosenbaum explained that he did think that it had been tarnished but said that, Its hard to predict what history will show.

The Presidents Forum lecture series will continue on Wednesday, Oct. 1 with Lucius T. Outlaw Jr., professor of philosophy and of African American and Diaspora studies and associate provost for undergraduate education at Vanderbilt, who will discuss Multicultural Education and the Obama Presidency at 7:30 p.m. in the Geneva Room of the Warren Hunting Smith Library.

The Presidents Forum Series, established in the winter of 2000 by President Mark D. Gearan, is designed to bring a variety of speakers to campus to share their knowledge and ideas with students, faculty, staff of the Colleges, as well as with interested community members.