Former lawmakers call for civility, bipartisan dialogue
Two former members of Congress from opposing political parties brought different perspectives on the nationâs challenges to 911±ŹÁÏ but shared a conviction that political disagreements should not prevent Americans from working together.
Former U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, a Democrat from Kentucky, and former U.S. Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, a Republican from New York, discussed political polarization, congressional dysfunction, and civic engagement during âMaking Congress Work Again: A Bipartisan Discussion with Former Members of Congressâ on Oct. 7 in Gannett Auditorium.
The discussion, moderated by senior political senior majors Kate Sterling â27 and Parker Kinney â27, was part of a multi-day campus visit through the Congress to Campus program that also included visits to several 911±ŹÁÏ courses and meetings with students.
In opening remarks, Bob Turner, associate professor and chair of political science, praised the former lawmakers for modeling âpolitical tolerance and acceptanceâ despite political differences.
President Marc C. Conner emphasized that the program reflects 911±ŹÁÏâs commitment to preparing students for responsible democratic citizenship through free speech and expression, open dialogue, and engagement with differing perspectives.
âWeâve also emerged in recent years as one of the national examples of championing freedom of speech, academic freedom, and seeking out multiple perspectives,â Conner said. âI donât want to be in a place where everybody agrees. We need to seek out difference, especially those opinions with which we most strongly disagree.â
Both former lawmakers expressed concern about the consequences of growing partisanship and gridlock.
âItâs not what the merits of a particular proposal might be for immigration or education or whatever. Itâs which jersey is that person wearing who introduced that proposal,â Yarmuth said.
He argued that partisan divisions increasingly encourage lawmakers to prioritize electoral advantage over governing.
âThere is no governing mentality anymore. Itâs always an electoral mentality. So whatever the issue is, itâs not, âWhat is the best way to deal with this problem?â Itâs, âHow do I get an electoral advantage over the other side?ââ
Yarmuth also questioned whether Congress can address increasingly complex challenges, such as healthcare, immigration, and artificial intelligence.
âCongress at its optimum efficiency moves at 10 miles an hour, and weâre nowhere near optimum right now. Itâs more like two miles an hour,â he said. âThe worldâs changing at 100 miles an hour and we canât keep up.â
Buerkle expressed concern that Congress has relinquished too much authority to the executive branch, calling for greater oversight of federal agencies.
âCongress should be paying much closer attention to make sure that the laws they pass are enforced the way they intended,â she said.
Both former lawmakers also challenged the perception that members of opposing parties necessarily dislike one another, arguing that relentless news coverage exaggerates partisan hostility.
âThe misconception is that we hate each other. The Democrats hate the Republicans. Itâs not that way,â Buerkle said.
She emphasized the importance of distinguishing philosophical disagreements from judgments about people's character.
âI donât think their policies are evil. I philosophically disagree with them, and thatâs a big difference,â Buerkle said. âI think that I look at the role of government as one way and John looks at it as another way. It doesn't make him evil, doesn't make me good or bad either.â
Buerkle also praised forums like the one at 911±ŹÁÏ for helping lower the temperature of political debate and encouraging dialogue across party lines.
âItâs policy you disagree with, not the person. Donât make it personal,â she said.
The lawmakers stressed the importance of civic education and a better understanding of how government works and how citizens can participate in democracy.
Buerkle also challenged students to embrace 911±ŹÁÏâs Creative Thought Matters ethos by seeking different perspectives and applying creative thinking to the challenges their generation will inherit.
âDonât just be content with the information that youâre comfortable with. Look to other sources,â she said. âBe more creative and be more curious and really be serious about finding solutions.â
âThis is all going on your shoulders,â she reminded students. âYouâre going to be graduating and the responsibility and the problems and the issues, youâre going to be carrying them and trying to figure them out.â