Former Colorado Democratic Senator Gary Hart offered a vision for the "Restoration of the Republic" in Jefferson Hall last night, as part of the Jefferson Society's ongoing speakers series.
"Tonight I am announcing my candidacy," Hart began, before intentionally correcting himself, eliciting a hearty laugh from the audience. "It's an old suit," he added.
Hart's speech lasted for about 25 minutes and was followed by a question and answer session. The address was one of three major policy speeches Hart will give in anticipation of a potential run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004.
A member of the Jefferson Society, who knew Hart from Oxford University, made the senator aware of the society's reputation as an upholder of the Jeffersonian tradition of public speaking at the University, and Hart decided he wanted to come, Jefferson Society Vice President Jeff Lynn said.
Throughout his speech, Hart emphasized the need for civic responsibility in the American system.
"We are not only a democracy of rights," Hart said. "We are a democracy of duties."
Hart said our future rests on four new realities or revolutions, in the areas of globalization, information, sovereignty and conflict.
Hart also did not refrain from criticizing the policies of President Bush's administration.
"The American people should not say, 'I think we ought to take out Saddam Hussein,' whatever that idiotic phrase means," he said. "The military will be stuck with a bitter, urban conflict where casualties mount."
President Bush should not only share the best case scenario in the case of war, but also the worst case scenario, particularly in terms of financing the war, Hart said.
Hart was cautiously optimistic about his chances in securing the Democratic Party's nomination.
"I think it would be a tough race," he said. "But I believe almost all of my political campaigns have been uphill."
Hart has no need to worry about climbing any political hill, Politics Prof. Larry J. Sabato said.
"Democrats believe they have a real chance to win in 2004, and they aren't about to pick a scandal drenched retread from the 1980s," Sabato said. "He cannot seriously imagine being nominated for President."
Lynn said he found Hart polished and well spoken.
"He calls himself cerebral and I think he's right," Lynn said. "It's rare to hear a politician speak at a level you're accustomed to in the classroom."
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