Full Text: Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach Speech to Democratic National Convention

August 25, 2008 by Pelikan
Filed under: Democratic National Convention, Presidential Campaign 2008 

As a Republican, I stand before you with deep respect for the history and traditions of my political party. But it is clear to all Americans that something is out of kilter in our great republic. In less than a decade America’s political and economic standing in the world has been diminished. Our nation’s extraordinary leadership in so many areas is simply not reflected in the partisan bickering and ideological politics of Washington. Seldom has the case for an inspiring new political ethic been more compelling. And seldom has an emerging leader so matched the needs of the moment.
 
The platform of this transformative figure is a call for change. The change Barack Obama is advocating is far more than a break with today’s politics. It is a clarion call for renewal rooted in time-tested American values that tap Republican, as well as Democratic traditions.
 
Perspective is difficult to bring to events of the day, but in sweeping terms, there have been four great debates in our history to which both parties have contributed. The first debate, led by Thomas Jefferson, the first Democrat to be elected president, centered on the question of whether a country could be established, based on The Rights of Man.

The second debate, led by Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican to be elected president, was about definitions—whether The Rights of Man applied to individuals who were neither pale nor male. It took almost two centuries of struggle, hallmarked by a civil war, the suffrage and abolitionist movements, the Harlem renaissance and a courageous civil rights leadership to bring meaning to the values embedded in the Declaration of Independence.
 
The third debate, symbolized by the new deal of Franklin Roosevelt and the emphasis on individual initiative of Ronald Reagan, involves the question of opportunity, whether rights are fully meaningful if all citizens are not given a chance to succeed and provide for their families.
 
The fourth debate, which acquired grim relevance with the dawn of the nuclear age, is the question of whether any rights are possible without peace and environmental security.
 
The American progressive tradition reflected in these debates spans Democratic standard bearers from the prairie populist William Jennings Bryan to the Camelot statesman, John F. Kennedy. It includes Republicans like Teddy Roosevelt, who built up the National Parks system and broke down corporate monopolies, and Dwight David Eisenhower, who ran on a pledge to end a war in Korea, brought a stop to European colonial intervention in the Middle East, quietly integrated the Washington, D.C., school system and not so quietly sent the 101st Airborne to Little Rock to squash segregation in public schools throughout the country.
 
In models of international statecraft, progressive leadership includes Al Gore, who helped galvanize worldwide understanding of the most challenging environmental threat currently facing the planet, and our current president’s father, who led an internationally sanctioned coalition to oust Saddam Hussein from Kuwait.
 
In Congress, Democratic senators like Pat Moynihan and Mike Mansfield served in Republican administrations. On the Republican side, Arthur Vandenberg helped President Truman launch the Marshall Plan, and Everett Dirksen backed Lyndon Johnson’s landmark civil rights legislation.
 
In troubled times, it was understood that country comes before party, that in perilous moments mutual concern for the national interest must be the only factor in political judgments. This does not mean that debate within and between the political parties should not be vibrant. Yet what frustrates so many citizens is the lack of bipartisanship in Washington and the way today’s Republican Party has broken with its conservative heritage.
 
The party that once emphasized individual rights has gravitated in recent years toward regulating values. The party of military responsibility has taken us to war with a country that did not attack us. The party that formerly led the world in arms control has moved to undercut treaties crucial to the defense of the earth. The party that prides itself on conservation has abdicated its responsibilities in the face of global warming. And the party historically anchored in fiscal restraint has nearly doubled the national debt, squandering our precious resources in an undisciplined and unprecedented effort to finance a war with tax cuts.
 
America has seldom faced more critical choices: whether we should maintain an occupational force for decades in a country and region that resents western intervention or elect a leader who, in a carefully structured way, will bring our troops home from Iraq as the heroes they are. Whether it is wise to continue to project power largely alone with flickering support around the world or elect a leader who will follow the model of General Eisenhower and this president’s father and lead in concert with allies.
 
Whether it is prudent to borrow from future generations to pay for today’s reckless fiscal policies or elect a leader who will shore up our budgets and return to a strong dollar. Whether it is preferable to continue the policies that have weakened our position in the world, deepened our debt and widened social divisions or elect a leader who will emulate John F. Kennedy and relight a lamp of fairness at home and reassert an energizing mix of realism and idealism abroad.
 
The portfolio of challenges passed on to the next president will be as daunting as any since the Great Depression and World War II. This is not a time for politics as usual or for run-of-the-mill politicians. Little is riskier to the national interest than more of the same. America needs new ideas, new energy and a new generation of leadership.
 
Hence, I stand before you proud of my party’s contributions to American history but, as a citizen, proud as well of the good judgment of good people in this good party, in nominating a transcending candidate, an individual whom I am convinced will recapture the American dream and be a truly great president: the senator from Abraham Lincoln’s state—Barack Obama. Thank you.

Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags: , , , ,

Comments

85 Comments on Full Text: Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach Speech to Democratic National Convention

  1. Denise-Mary on Mon, 25th Aug 2008 10:58 pm

    2. So…how can he be a “truly great president” when he has yet to prove himself “great” at anything else??

  2. Laura on Mon, 25th Aug 2008 11:13 pm

    3. I thought this was a beautiful speech in the true spirit of America. As a person with many good friends of varied opinion, I praise the Congressman’s bravery.

  3. Joy Brooks on Mon, 25th Aug 2008 11:36 pm

    4. Beautiful speech. I had to get a copy. Good historical info. Seemed to be from the heart. Mr. Leach is to be applauded for saying what he feels and knows is right in his heart.

  4. Lillian Reid on Mon, 25th Aug 2008 11:46 pm

    5. It’s a shame that the networks did not
    air this speech. They kept saying that
    the democrats didn’t criticize the
    Repubicans tonight - but they did through
    Jim Leach, unfortunately, the networks did
    not cover it.

  5. Molly on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 1:06 am

    6. If only the throng attending the convention had given this speech the standing ovation it deserved. It was beautifully constructed and a powerful expression of support for Barack Obama from a Republican. Bravo and thank you for your courageous stand.

  6. Joe L. on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 7:27 am

    7. In content and courage, this was probably the best critique of the last seven years in Washington I have heard or seen, anywhere. Thank you, Congressman Leach.
    P.S. PBS did carry this is if the networks did not.

  7. Barry A. on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 9:04 am

    8. I too had to print out a copy of this excellent speech to keep, and to show others who missed it. Thank God for C-Span or we would have all missed it. What Congressman Leach lacked in verve and presentation he more than made up for in substance. This speech encapsulates in snapshot form how we got to the point we are at, where politics is all about winning and losing and barely about governing at all.

  8. Bess Chosak on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 9:15 am

    9. Jim Leach’s speech was the highlight of last evening’s convention for me. His concise summary of the themes of emerging freedoms in our past was eloquent. Thanks to PBS’s coverage, I was able to rekindle an encouraging belief that rational, insightful leadership will stand behind Obama and help him with the task of getting this ship of state righted once again. Congressman Leach has alway been a hero of mine, and I was thrilled to see him take the chance to do what he did last night - thank you, Jim Leach!!!!

  9. Lynn on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 9:37 am

    10. If you were impressed by this short speech and Jim Leach’s wise words, you should check out some of his speeches on the floor of congress, in particular those related to the folly of the Iraq war. He was one of just five Republican house members to oppose the Iraq War Resolution and always puts these things in historical perspective. One of the true intellectuals we had in congress. A man of real integrity. We need more people like Jim Leach in this country.

  10. Paul Silver on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 10:04 am

    11. My favorite speech of the evening and one of the most satisfying of the campaign.

  11. radha on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 10:14 am

    12. I agree, this was the best, most substantive speech in a night of great speeches. To put the need of the hour, and to be able to put it into context so eloquently and succintly was a great feat but also a great service to the audience both inside and outside the convention. I ony hope some independents and republicans were listening.

    Note to DNC orgainzers: Use this well.

  12. Jay Cohen on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 11:30 am

    13. From the architect of the UIGEA:

    “The party that once emphasized individual rights has gravitated in recent years toward regulating values.”

    Really Jimmy? Look in the mirror you fascist ahole. Individual liberty has always been big with your kind….as long as the individuals share your same narrow moral view of the world.

  13. Andy on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 11:47 am

    14. I agree with Jay. Leach is a hypocrite. His biggest issue as a Member of Congress was stripping individuals of their liberty by banning their ability to spending their own money to gamble online.

  14. Hyacinth on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 12:04 pm

    15. Great goodness, this guy, Jim Leach spoke of factual political historical malice and triumph of the nation. He clearly knows how to put words into real perspective. Graceful demeanor under a bliss audience whom did not notice the need for a standing ovation. How narrow and marginal of the attendees.

    I have never seem or heard of Jim Leach until last night at the 2008 DNC, shameful of me. I am sold, thank you Jim Leach. You have just won a fan and an interest in your past and present works. Truly, you deserve a place in Obama’s presidency that will allow your talent to flower. Just this speech, delivered with courage and poise has put you in the spot light among the country’s common people, regardless to prime time networks negligent.

    Fortunate I am to have watch the DNC on PBS. Go PBS, brilliant coverage!

  15. Martha on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 12:27 pm

    16. Jim Leach, Good to hear from you. We here in Iowa have great respect for your good sense and courage.

  16. Rich on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 12:35 pm

    17. Blazingly important perspectives that spoke to my heart as an independent. I truly admire former Congressman Leach for his integrity.

  17. Lee on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 12:47 pm

    18. An unssen speech writer wrote the speech … he is nothing more than a Hypocite that can read

  18. Disenchanted... on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 1:13 pm

    19. As a citizen, I appreciate your passion, your intelligence, and your courage. There are many who will attack you in coming days for standing up for your beliefs regardless of party affiliations. But know this, America at large is capable of understanding the struggles facing us and of seeing a way through even when the end is nowhere in sight. Thank you for helping us see that we are all, above else, American citizens and we can do more than the media machine’s say we are capable of.

  19. Joe R on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 1:19 pm

    20. While going through cancer treatments, I
    took up online poker due to the inability to leave the house due to fatigue and a weak immune system. Jim Leach fought hard and was one of the 4 architects of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act that made it very hard to play poker online for some time. Shame on you for not allowing people to spend their hard earned money as they please and then railing against the Republicans regulating individual values. SHAME ON YOU Mr. Leach, very hypocritical.

  20. Joan Falconer on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 2:22 pm

    21. For the record, Jim Leach wrote his speech–he has written all his speeches. Strange as it seems, he is one Republican who knows how to use the English language.

    If you watch the convention on any station other than public television, you’re wasting your time.

  21. Debbie R. on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 2:38 pm

    22. Jim Leach has been a voice of reason within the Republican party for a long time. Sadly the Republican party has no room for people like Jim Leach anymore.

  22. hagbrain on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 2:41 pm

    23. Terrible speech. I don’t think, Jim Leach, a man who has spent his life “regulating values”, should talk about “individual rights”. You lost your House seat for a reason, go away.

  23. Steve S on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 3:28 pm

    24. All talk Leach. You define hypocrit to a T.

  24. Schwallie on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 3:34 pm

    25. Really?

    Jim Leach, the person who basically wrote the law regulating and denying the freedoms of individuals(banning internet poker, really? That’s at the top of the list of stuff that is bad for you?)

    And now he is saying that he is all for individual liberties? Maybe he should remember why he isn’t in Congress anymore, it is because he felt the need to try to ban what we do in our own households. This man is outright lying, and all of his actions in Congress are in direct opposition to the things he is saying in this speech.

  25. Jim Bailey on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 4:08 pm

    26. The guy that went on a crusade to outlaw the personal choice of playing online poker in a man’s own home now wants to talk about defending personal liberties? Give me a break!!

  26. Stephen D on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 4:25 pm

    27. The man who became the poster child for nanny stater republicans and legislating morality to the masses is now talking about individual liberties? I guess a nice dose of humble pie from those who see him for the hypocrite that he is, was able to adjust his view of the world.

    Although I whole heartedly agree with the principles of his speech, make no mistake that these are hollow words from a man who was booted from office for being the exact opposite of what he talking about on that stage. Good riddance to another lying, sleazy politician who was able to do nothing except pander to special interests.

  27. monica on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 4:33 pm

    28. Clips & Comment — Thanks so much for this transcription. I’ve bookmarked it.

  28. Frieda H. Kloeckner on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 4:47 pm

    29. Congratulations to Congressman James Leach!
    I was so pleased to hear a fine description of what the past
    years have been. The eloquence of Congressman Leach is
    rare in our Congress and Senate. I would think that a man
    of such stature, eloquence, and character would be an ideal
    Secretary of State to let the world know that the USA does
    indeed have articulate and honorable men in its government.

  29. Art on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 4:50 pm

    30. A hypocrite stumping for a fool that will say anything to get elected…..No Thanks!

  30. Joe Jacobs on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 5:22 pm

    31. This was a powerful speech when I saw it last night and now, rereading the text, I see more of why it affected me like it did. Jim Leach is proud of having been a Republican over the years when being a Republican meant something good.

    He points out the great achievements of our government that required BOTH parties’ efforts to get them done.

    Anyone reading the text of this speech who doesn’t think the ‘portfolio of problems’ confronting the next president will require some serious sacrifice to solve is woefully uninformed.

    Of all the speeches I saw last night, this was the one with the least emotion and the most meat in it.

    Well said, Mr. Leach.

  31. Lynette on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 5:39 pm

    32. Now that Jim Leach doesn’t have to pander to the RNC, we find out what he REALLY thinks about his party and what they have become. I, too, was a Republican. I gave it up long before Jim. Who better than Leach to know what really needs to be fixed with the Republican party? Thank you Congressman Leach. I always knew I liked you. Now I know why.

  32. Luke Mc on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 6:08 pm

    33. A Republican with no ties to organized religion would be the best leader of this country. Beliefs are dangerous and it’s moral hypocrisy has taken too many freedoms away from the majority that do not share those same beliefs.

  33. Mike L on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 6:17 pm

    34. Funny JC you were the one 60 minutes did the piece on when you were found guilty of running offshore gambling overseas. Did you not serve time? Jim Leach speech was great and needs to be seen by more folks. Thanks for putting bookies like JC behind bars.

  34. ciny Colorado on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 6:26 pm

    35. Great speech by Leach would love to see him on the presidential ballot in November instead of the 2 we get to choose from.

    someone start the leach for pres movement!!

  35. Jay Cohen on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 6:29 pm

    36. Mike L,

    I was on 60 Minutes and yes, I was convicted for running a licensed and legal sportsbook, wholly located in a foreign country. It was in Antigua, the same country that won a WTO case over the United States’ protectionism with respect to remote gambling from Antigua.

    I never forced anyone to place a bet. All of my customers were adults trying to exercise those individual rights Mr. Leach claims to support all of a sudden.

    I got more time than most people get in this country for assault. If you think it makes sense to send people to jail for running licensed and legal sportsbooks in other countries, you have some pretty screwed up priorities.

    Sig heil Mike L. Mock me while the Gubment offers similar gambling products at worse odds. But that’s ok.

  36. Mike L on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 6:41 pm

    37. JC you were found guilty of the wire act sportsbetting is illegal in the united states by way of the internet. And you thought you found a loop hole to get around it by setting up shop overseas. A jury of your peers convicted you not the goverment.
    Its folks like you that hurt the young people let them get in debt when their young by gambling which leads to robbery to get money to feed to your kind.
    It has broke a many of family I suppose you think child porn is okay to as long as the kids being abused are overseas. Thanks to Jim Leach your kind will never hurt are young kids again and break families.

  37. Anonymous on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 6:54 pm

    38. Mike L,

    You are very ignorant. There is no federal law against placing a sports bet in the United States.

    I still maintain I ran a legal business in another country, and the World Trade Organization agreed with me. Since when does one country have the right to prosecute businesses in other countries? Let them prosecute the players in the US if it is a crime, which it is not.

    Yes, I was convicted by a jury after the judge directed the verdict in his jury instructions, not to mention the judge’s shenanigans throughout the rest of the trial.

    Folks like me? Have you ever looked at all of those casinos in Las Vegas, or in Atlantic City, or in the 48 states that offer gambling? I had a relative loose millions to the Vegas properties, and he killed himself. Where are the calls to close Vegas?

    I have no problem with people who are against all gambling, but please don’t single out one form over another as acceptable. It’s nothing more than protectionism. The WTO concurs.

  38. Indio on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 7:12 pm

    39. Hypocrisy is one of the most abhorrent traits of a man. Sadly, Mr. Leach fits that bill. You talk about liberties and dreams? The world free market had created a whole new and exiting opportunity for some of us with the advent of trading on sporting events, online poker, and innovative money transfer companies like Neteller. Many of us thrived at this, and for the investor who loved to participate(and work very hard) and was good at this, it was a slap in the face to have our own Justice Department pull the rug out from under us, while others were permitted to do similar things in commodities markets. And while many legitimate and ethical offshore shops were villafied, government run games, and protected venues such as NTRA lobbied cut-outs were protected from the carnage. Ironically, I am looking to move to another country to enjoy the freedoms that we once considered the backbone of this great country. Life,Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness has sadly become nothing but a cliche to the increasingly statist regime of a congress that is nothing more than a collage of puppets.

  39. Indio on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 7:33 pm

    40. Mike L,

    Why is it, we always here the potential bad from gambling, but we never hear all the good. I’m not going to go into details so I can keep this short, but it ticks me off when someone like you plays the “children” card and “breaking up families” card. The most destructive thing I’ve seen that ruins lives and destroys families is by far Alcohol abuse. It’s not even close. And yet, I will fight for you to have the right to be served a cold beer and a shot of whiskey. Also, most pathological gamblers (it’s a sickness) get into trouble when they are given CREDIT, which illegal bookmakers offer, which most legitimate offshore books do not. And if your going to attack Mr. Cohen as a “destroyer” of families, then i hope you give state run lotteries, who sell the idea of “dreams” with fancy and slick ads to the people who can least afford it, the same treatment.

    By the way, I have a lot more respect more Mr. Cohens former shop, where they take about 4% out with offerings that can be selected through intelligent reasoning, than a state run shop that takes 50% out, then wants to tax that, all on sucker games of pure chance where the player has virtually no chance. I hope the Lotteries, Horse tracks, Casino’s, and any entity that serves alcohol gets the same verbal thrashing from you Mike, just like you gave Jay, otherwise, you’ll be just like Mr. Leach, a hypocrite.

  40. big mac on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 7:37 pm

    41. Mike L. Get a clue. You believe everything Jimmy says-LOL!!! You are out in the dark on this one pal.

  41. Mary Zarc on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 7:44 pm

    42. Bless your heart, Jim Leach. “My, you are brave.” Because of your courage to speak the truth, boldly, and with clarity and intelligence, the Republican party can now begin to heal itself, rediscover itself, and reinvent itself. Because of Republicans like you, the Republican Party can rise again, true, good, and beautiful.

    “There is a way to be good again.”

    With great respect and admiration, thank you.

  42. M HALLOCk on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 7:44 pm

    43. Remember that this is man who was the architect of a piece of legislation that criminalized 30 MILLION Americans who love to play poker and gamble on the internet.

    This pile of hypocritical dung now stands before us ridiculing the nanny state policies of which he was dungeon master. Hopefully this a change of heart for this brown-coated NAZI disquising as free thinker.

    This man is no differenent than the communists of Stalin’s era.

  43. M.H. on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 8:36 pm

    44. I’m surprised to read these comments and find so many people who had a good first impression of Jim Leach. As an online poker player I became aware of Leach a few years ago when he drafted a bill that made online poker illegal, and then used back room tactics to get the bill passed. Suffice to say my first impression of Leach was far more negative than some of the replies here. As a peaceful, tax paying, law-abiding citizen I become very angry when a politician tries to turn one of my favorite hobbies into a crime. I do not know why Jim Leach is making speeches about individual freedom or shilling for the Democratic Party, but I do know why he lost his last bid for Congress, and all I can say to that is, good riddance.

  44. Fritz clemens on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 8:50 pm

    45. The Right got wrong and the Left just doesn’t get it!……so I used to say.
    That is until I heard the Honorable former Rep. Jim Leach’s (R) speech.
    Bingo nailed it right on the head.
    Abraham Lincoln was not a great man coming into office. He had not proven himself. However he faced the divisions of a house that and would lead to the formation of a more perfect union. Across the board, for you who take a moment to “think” clearly history repeats …… Why has God give us Barack Oboma? Why were we given Abraham Lincoln? History in the making?

  45. Mark, chi Town on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 9:20 pm

    46. It is to hard to control internet gambling, props to Mr. Leach in what he did to save america’s future.

    Not a fair comparison Vegas and Indian casinos you go to do you see 14 and 15 year olds playing slots and playing poker.

    Also putting money in overseas accounts do people pay taxes on their winnings and is there money truly safe. Many offshore books have stiff customers or gone under and the customer lost everything

    Also to easy for underage kids to get gambling accounts online. It needs to be done away with I think the USA basically told the WTO to f -off on the ruling.

    And will never abide by it. Mr.Leach Thank You! for saving family values. A must see speech for all

  46. Mike B. on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 9:39 pm

    47. Given Mr. Leach’s maniacal efforts to ban internet gaming in the US, this speech has to be THE single most hypocritical statement I have seen in my approx. 35 years of following politics. For this man, Leach, to speak of his former parry as “The party that once emphasized individual rights has gravitated in recent years toward regulating values.” is just beyond the pale. I almost can’t believe he has the nerve to make such statements. This is akin to Hitler accusing the Nazi Party of being anti-Semitic. The fact that the Obama campaign allowed this man to speak at the DNC Convention is very troubling to say the least.

  47. Keri Dane on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 10:34 pm

    48. Anyone who did not hear that UNITED we solve the great problems and meet the most enormous challenges, was not listening. As that great Republican, Abe Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” We need to cast off the lie that the opposing party/parties are the enemy/enemies but, rather, members of opposing parties are contributors of varied points of view, varied knowledge and the broadest perspective that enables us to meet the greatest challenges, overcome the greatest difficulties and continue to earn the respect of the world. We do this by first respecting each other and engaging intelligently in the important discussions that, as a free country, as a democracy, we have the great privilege and sacred duty to do by informing ourselves and participating and making our voices heard. We cannot help each other see errors in thinking, if we do not first listen to each other. And, sometimes, we may even find that it is our thinking that needs correction.

    Those who persist in bashing along party lines serve no purpose in solving problems, making pathways to the future and rising as individuals, a nation, and a world to the highest heights to which we can aspire.

    Let us join together in building on the promises of the founding fathers. Let’s show our founding fathers that this country can be greater than anything they ever imagined because we have the intelligence and tolerance to discuss with everyone, particularly those who disagree with us, to find the best answers, the best solutions and the best future possible.

    Rather than beat each other bloody in the schoolyard, let’s set goals that are worthy of the nation that claims the title “greatest nation” because of our most precious possession, freedom of speech.

  48. Obama for President on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 10:37 pm

    49. Jim Leach, you are a great leader. You have made Iowa proud. From your state championship in wrestling to your 30 years of service to the state, you signify what it means to be an Iowan. You also signify what it USED to mean to be a Republican in Iowa — standing up for individual rights with a balance of concern for social welfare and public health. Republicans in this state used to be progressive; growing up in a Republican family that was accepting of homosexuality, took women’s right to choose very seriously, and advocated for religious freedom for all, I NEVER thought of us as “conservatives” outside of a stubborn force for human rights. Where have you gone Abraham Lincoln? Where have you gone Teddy Roosevelt? Where are you now Herbert Hoover? Jim Leach, you are the man. You make me proud to be a former Republican and proud of my decision since the invasion of Iraq to call myself a Democrat and an Iowan.

  49. Get real! on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 10:38 pm

    50. This speech was inspiring. The nay-sayers, who seem to be circling the wagons around the idea that they somehow lost more than all of us gained from reasonable regulation of internet gambling, are missing the point. Read a history book! The Republicans are not afraid to step in when there is a danger to our children, or to the family. Unregulated internet gabling poses such a problem. Don’t condemn Jim Leach for that — he was being a statesman!

    His speech was a profound reminder of the history of cooperation and collective rolling up the sleeves that we are so blessed to have as OUR history. He is to be commended for his service, for his intellect, and his courage, and mostly for recognizing that we are at such a time that we need this change, NOW.

  50. Hartley Henderson on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 10:41 pm

    51. It’s unfortunate that Barak Obama has chosen to accept accolades from Leach. This is the same man who chose to ally himself with people like Jon Kyl, Robert Goodlatte and Bill Frist to rob Americans of a basic freedom - i.e. to spend their own money in the privacy of their own home on an activity that hurts no one and that is legal in every state in one form or another but Utah. Obama has titled himself as an agent for change. America desperately needs change but it’s from these hypocrites, moral dictators and religious zealots that America needs to disassociate themselves from.

  51. Bill on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 10:58 pm

    52. Mark you wrote “Mr.Leach Thank You! for saving family values.”

    Mark why are you voting for Obama? It seems to me like you should be voting for the Prohibitionist Party.

  52. Mark on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 11:19 pm

    53. Mr. Leach, great words but you’re actions as the architect along wih slime like Kyl and Frist belie them. Now that you are trying to free yourself from your RNC past trash, it would be nice if you would actually support individual liberties and apologize and repudiate your past actions in the UIGEA fiasco. Until you do that, you are NOT a champion of individual choice and individual freedoms. You are a hypocrite.

  53. Old Book Guy on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 11:26 pm

    54. “The party that once emphasized individual rights has gravitated in recent years toward regulating values.”

    Which explains why the Leach led Unlawful Internet Gambling Ban passed in 2006 was a prime example of “regulating values”.

    Whoa to the Democrats if they allow THIS man who wants to dictate narrow values to all be involved in the party.

    obg

  54. Bill on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 11:30 pm

    55. Well said Indio. I personally like to bet online and play some poker. I play both online and at casinos. I don’t drink or smoke but I don’t try and tell those who do to stop for the good of their family. It’s not the government’s job to protect my family from me or me from my family. If I become a pathological gambler and lose all my money online then my wife will leave me and I’ll pay support. If my wife chooses to cheat on me and I find out then I’ll leave her and she’ll pay the consequences. We all make decisions in life as adults and we gain the benefits or suffer the consequences of doing so. I show restraint and play for lower limits with the blessing of my wife. It’s not Leach, Obama or Bush’s job to tell me how to behave or where to spend my money. Governments have 5 main responsibilities - infrastructure and transportation, enforcing penalties for real crime like robbery or assault, immigration, trade and treaties protecting the country. Social vices are not the government (especially the federal government’s) concern.

    I equate Leach’s speech to Elliot Spitzer arresting John’s while cheating on his wife with a prostitute or Larry Craig voting against same sex marriage rights while propositioning men in a bathroom. It’s all “do as I say, not as I do.”

  55. Old Book Guy on Tue, 26th Aug 2008 11:32 pm

    56. Get Real Wrote:
    This speech was inspiring. The nay-sayers, who seem to be circling the wagons around the idea that they somehow lost more than all of us gained from reasonable regulation of internet gambling,

    lets see, as an adult Leach wants to prevent you from playing a $5.00 card game, BUT, go to CBS Sports, you can wager up to $499. (FOUR HUNDRED and NINETY-NINE DOLLARS) on a pretend Football team you draft from real players.

    Hummm, which is more costly, $500.00 or $5.00, THAT IS WHAT YOU CALL RESPONSIBLE REGULATION?

    obg

  56. Get real! on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 12:25 am

    57. Hey obg,

    Like I said, look it up. Look to the record books, or whatever you regard as the appropriate monitor of history. No one ever said that one act of Congress was intended to correct all wrongs. However, the Congress can act to address wrongs, in a piecemeal fashion. That is history. The fact that you have a problem with this is what is troubling.

    This was an inspiring speech from a formidable citizen who has done more for his country than proabably most of us. How many of these posters has even run for office, let alone won? If you don’t like it, GET A LIFE!

    If you are pissed, run for office, for pete’s sake. GET REAL!!!!!

  57. Brandon Burt on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 1:32 am

    58. A marvelous speech by a true statesman. We need more of this kind of statesmanship if America is to overcome its paralyzing, polarizing divisiveness.

    Denise-Mary: I think if you review English grammar, you’ll see that the statement you question is in the future progressive tense–e.g., “Obama will be a truly great president.”

    Surely this is the appropriate tense to use in a political convention speech when you’re talking about the only candidate capable of bringing about real change.

  58. ubercuber on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 5:43 am

    59. It’s comical how much these Leach supporters buy into every lie about the evils of gambling, including the one that pretends something was done about! I still gamble online, responsibly. The irresponsible patho gamblers are not phased by this stupid law (UIGEA) one bit.

    Gambling on state lotteries doesn’t ruin families? Nor does betting horses? It must be the cards that are truly evil? Maybe the chips? No, its the unfortunate addicts that make up a small percentage of gamblers, just like alcohol, that get into trouble. Pass a law the helps the sick ones and leave the rest alone. Is that not obvious? This fake law, if anyone paid attention to it, only hopes at best to force addicts to gamble on horses or lotteries instead of poker or sports! Yep problem solved, Leach is brilliant, case closed!

    Please, banners of evil, will you someday realize that your self righteous, uninformed, declaration that something is banned… accomplishes nothing! You think families were saved by UIGEA? HA! I am a recreational poker player and I didn’t stop playing… but addicts did? C’mon use your heads!

    Leach is a hypocrite. My personal freedom includes sitting down with $50 and playing poker for a few hours without some zealot sticking his nose in it.

    What IS nice about UIGEA is that BOTH Frist and Leach shot themselves in the foot by defying voters and trying to strip their rights!

    If you think gambling breaks up families, how do you explain all the families that are not broken up despite gambling?

    The addictive behavior is what breaks up a family, but you can’t just ban it and think you fixed it! Ban teenage pregnancy! Ban credit cards! Ban the store that charges higher prices causing people to throw their money away!Ban alcohol, smoking, fast food, etc… you beginning to see the flaw of such a plan?

    Get real indeed.

  59. Joe on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 8:04 am

    60. Mark from Chitown “Not a fair comparison Vegas and Indian casinos you go to do you see 14 and 15 year olds playing slots and playing poker.”

    No one ever argued children should be able to gamble. This is overblown, since you need a credit card or bank account to do this, I don’t know of any child who possess this.

    What a couple of children do, should not dictate what millions of responsible adults can or can not do. Whenever something pops up that is “morally wrong” in ones eyes, they claim “WE MUST SAVE THE CHILDREN”. I have three children myself and internet gaming is the least of my worries!

  60. Anonymous on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 9:01 am

    61. Leach is a hypocrite. If you don’t want to ban alcohol, but you support the UIGEA, you are too.

    Which of you UIGEA supporters is going to be the first to surrender that wine you were going to have with dinner tomorrow night? Sure, you may think you drink responsibly, and you may think you have the right to choose for yourself as a tax paying adult, but you know what? The children come first, and the risk of you becoming an alcoholic and destroying your family is simply unacceptable. Surely you don’t believe that that glass of wine is more important than FAMILIES, do you?

    Hand it over Get real.

  61. Luke Mc on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 10:36 am

    62. There wasn’t any study or investigation into the effects of online gambling, yet a bill was drafted and passed. They assumed 10 year olds were playing and sexual predators were lurking and that it was corrupting family values. Don’t confuse online poker with Myspace and Facebook - which to date is unregulated, unmonitored and has caused more deaths and hurt more people. Getting a second job can cover your gambling losses, calling a 14yr old girl fat on facebook will ruin her life.

    How do we accept that carrying or just owning a gun is A-OKAY despite so many deaths from fire arms? Or that bars serve alcohol AND have parking lots? Or that I can walk into the back of walgreens and get my vitamins and then walk past an array of cigarettes on my way out - but you could ever defend taking away my freedom to parlay the colts and the steelers for $5?

  62. Joe on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 11:40 am

    63. Under the Leach theory, lets just start banning everything:

    Some people drink too much: Lets ban it.
    Some people eat too much: Lets outlaw eating.
    Some people drive too fast: Lets ban driving.

    We should all live in a Leach issued bubble. This will save us from ourselves.

    Poker is not a crime and responsible adults should be able to enjoy either online, in their homes, or in a casino.

  63. Joe on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 11:41 am

    64. Additionally, Leach is a hypocrite and a JOKE!

  64. Kathleen Reardon: What Hillary Did Last Night And Whose Court The Unity Ball Is In Now | Cross Party Lines on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 2:18 pm

    65. [...] boils down to putting people in the White House who, as former Republican U.S. Representative Jim Leach said Monday, “once emphasized individual rights” but have “gravitated in recent [...]

  65. Fred on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 4:36 pm

    66. Jim, you were part of the nanny-state GOP. I’m glad you are finally taking the first step toward recognizing your moral failings.

  66. D.Mo on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 4:59 pm

    67. Whoever took the time to provide this script, thank you very much. The corporate media is abominable, so I couldn’t be upset that they failed to broadcast this great speech by this informed Republican we should hark for his herald of true Republicans, not the crooks who stole the legacy of true conservatism to forever besmirch its name. Lastly, notwithstanding the appallingly deep search I performed to find this script, I was shocked to find no video of this speech: because let’s face it, the majority of people who needed to experience it will certainly not be reading it. I can only hope the DNC put it on their website.

    Thanks again.

  67. Bill on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 6:09 pm

    68. “What a couple of children do, should not dictate what millions of responsible adults can or can not do. Whenever something pops up that is “morally wrong” in ones eyes, they claim “WE MUST SAVE THE CHILDREN”. I have three children myself and internet gaming is the least of my worries!”

    Not to mention it’s easier for a minor to produce fake i.d. and go into a land based casino than it is for them to bet online with a credit card.

  68. DNC Convention Speeches 2008 on Wed, 27th Aug 2008 9:18 pm

    69. [...] Speech Michelle Obama Speech Craig Robinson Speech Clair McCaskill Speech Austin Esposito Speech Jim Leach Speech Tom Harkin Speech Jerry Kellman Speech Candi Schmeider Speech Miguel del Valle Speech Caroline [...]

  69. marismom on Thu, 28th Aug 2008 2:23 am

    70. While Jim was banning online gambling he was receiving pac money from the gambling boats in his own flippin district here in Iowa. Wonder why? The boats didn’t want to compete with the internet. Every major town in Iowa now has a casino. We have more corn than people but we have the cash cow river boat casinos that feed millions of tax dollars into our cities and into our politicians pockets.

  70. marismom on Thu, 28th Aug 2008 2:31 am

    71. The reason he wasn’t shown on TV is because he lost his seat to a democrat after holding it for 30 years and is now a professor at Harvard. Hardly a Zell Miller moment, who was a sitting Senator when he crossed over in 04.

  71. Walter L. Johnson on Thu, 28th Aug 2008 2:41 am

    72. I really appreciated Jim Leach’s speech, since it hi-lited how the Republican Party has gone downhill by pointing out what it used to stand for.

    I once considered joining the Republican Party until they became reckless spenders doubling the National Debt everytime they gain control, which borrows from everyone’s future to supplement the income of the richest few percent of families. I don’t want my grandchildren to be paying for their Grandparents mistakes.

    Those who complain about Jim Leach’s position on online gaming hold a stupid grudge. The biggest reason for ending online gaming is that a lot of it was totally unregulated and outright financial fraud. When states regulate gambling they protect against fraud and guarantee a minimum payback ratio for betters. Online establishments can just make you think you have a losing steak when really they just keep nearly all the bets. Online gaming also allowed people to break state laws against gambling that reflected individual state values and usually located in tax havens to avoid paying U. S. income taxes on their profits.

    People who want to do honest gambling for big payoffs need do no more than play the stock market and commodities markets with hedges and options.

  72. Butternutts on Thu, 28th Aug 2008 7:27 am

    73. After reading that crock of shiat of a “speech”, i thought to myself, ’self, thats probably the biggest load of crap you’ll read all week’…Then, i read the comments.

    No wonder this country is going down the toilet, it’s full of ignorant, blind sheep who can’t think for themselves.

    Walter Johnson is a shining example….Nodding his head, knowing nothing at all…Spouting off inaccurate idiocy with one hand, and patting himself on the head with the other.

    I hate to think what his hands were doing when he read this bullsh*it fluff of a ’speech’…

  73. Luke Mc on Thu, 28th Aug 2008 11:27 am

    74. Yes all online gambling shops are crooked, unlike any of the insurance companies or banks that turn the average joe into a big gaping anus, or Martha Stewart or Enron or the entire Bush administration. I trust Poker Stars with my life. There are no broken promises, no lies or cheating. I trust them before I trust the government, the church, cops, mechanics or even my doctor probably rifles through my wallet while I am put under on gas that I get billed for.

  74. Jess Stone on Thu, 28th Aug 2008 11:49 am

    75. Butternutts on August 28th, 2008 7:27 am

    After reading that crock of shiat of a “speech”, i thought to myself, ’self, thats probably the biggest load of crap you’ll read all week’…Then, i read the comments.

    No wonder this country is going down the toilet, it’s full of ignorant, blind sheep who can’t think for themselves.

    Walter Johnson is a shining example….Nodding his head, knowing nothing at all…Spouting off inaccurate idiocy with one hand, and patting himself on the head with the other.

    I hate to think what his hands were doing when he read this bullsh*it fluff of a ’speech’…

  75. Jess Stone on Thu, 28th Aug 2008 11:50 am

    76. Holy crap that was terrific buternuts. :-)

  76. Pre-Obama Dem Convention Thread « Indistinct Union on Thu, 28th Aug 2008 9:19 pm

    77. [...] this.  She’s not a particularly great speaker, but I’m a nerd who actually really dug Jim Leach’s talk the other [...]

  77. Edward Ruffner on Fri, 29th Aug 2008 9:36 am

    78. Leach hit the ball out of the park. His historical echo will resonate with the thinking voters. For those voters susceptable to trolling slogans - they won’t get it. Leach’s call should have run on prime time.

  78. Obama for President on Fri, 29th Aug 2008 11:48 am

    79. “While Jim was banning online gambling he was receiving pac money from the gambling boats in his own flippin district here in Iowa. Wonder why? The boats didn’t want to compete with the internet. Every major town in Iowa now has a casino. We have more corn than people but we have the cash cow river boat casinos that feed millions of tax dollars into our cities and into our politicians pockets.”

    Actually, I do not believe that is completely accurate. The heaviest hitting casinos on water in the Eastern part of the state are in the Quad Cities. At the time of the online gambling ban, Bettendorf and Davenport were not in Leach’s District (though they had been years before). If they supported him financially around that time, which they may well have, they were not in his district. I believe a few smaller floating casinos exist in SE Iowa, which may have thrown some money his way, but they don’t really hold a candle to the political power of the Isle of Capri conglomerate in Iowa.

    Bett and D’port were in Nussle’s District, which he left to run a losing campaign for governor in 2006. Nussle was on the casino doll as well, which played a major role in banning “Touch Play” machines. Upset by Nussle’s push to ban “Touch Play”, the Krauss family — owners of Kum-N-Go convenience stores — heavily backed now Democratic governor Chet Culver (who never actually made any widely publicized comment for or against “Touch Play”).

  79. Keith on Sat, 30th Aug 2008 3:33 pm

    80. Come on guys. You know if Leach hadn’t got booted from office as a result of the Green Felt Revolution (google it!), then he’d be giving some sort of nanny state speech at the RNC this year instead, right?

    He’s a two faced waffler. Maybe he’s aiming for a position in an Obama-Biden government?

    I’d be happy to see him as our next ambassador to Iraq.

    “Get Real” - how can you cheer a speech on individual liberties, and then turn around in the same comment thread and bash my individual liberty to play a $5 SNG at Poker Stars? I have two kids. They don’t play.

    Determining what my kids do online is my job as a parent, not the government’s job.

    A very tiny percentage of the population has gambling addiction problems. Just like a tiny percentage of the population has food addiction, sex addiction and alcohol addiction problems.

    Looking to ban online gambling to protect those few at the cost of the vast VAST majority who enjoy it responsibly is using a hammer to remove a fly from your friends forehead.

    Get real indeed.

    Legalize, regulate, and provide help to those who have addiction problems. Don’t nanny legislate.

  80. Ohio Clipper on Mon, 1st Sep 2008 10:03 pm

    81. Ladies and Gentlemen - I had no idea when I posted Rep. Leach’s speech that he was the poster child for everything wrong with gambling here in the U.S. Several years ago I worked as a staffer in the U.S. House and I remember Mr. Leach as a gentleman and an expert on banking and the economy. This thread of comms has made me think that there’s noone in any of our lives who we agree with on everything, but when a politician takes a position and advocates for that position, he or she is at risk for being “marked” because of one issue. Hope you like the site, … Pelikan

  81. Tammy Hawley on Tue, 2nd Sep 2008 10:52 pm

    82. I’m familiar with Jim Leach from the House Banking Committee. He always showed good judgment and is a critical thinker. I saw this speech as it was delivered and was very moved by it. He spoke from the heart and gave a very powerful and honest message. He is a true statesman and knows what it really means to put country first.

  82. David Shawaker on Thu, 4th Sep 2008 5:52 pm

    83. This is the best statement I’ve heard on how the Republican Party has lost its way; and why Republicans like me have switched (or should switch) to the Democratic Party and are supporting Barack Obama as the best hope for the future of our country.

  83. Darlene on Tue, 9th Sep 2008 4:18 pm

    84. I was glued to the TV for both conventions but did not see the Leach speech.

    Such a wonderful speech I too printed a copy.

    I am still glued to the TV and am ashamed of the Republican’s.

    Give me a break!! A woman of questionable education, parenting skills, junk yard dog approach and religous beliefs as VP or God forbid President.

    Why would any American want such a person to represent our country to the world.

  84. Major Republicans Endorse Barack Obama « LoomisNews: An Outside Observer on Wed, 17th Sep 2008 10:37 pm

    85. [...] Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, gave a speech at the Democratic convention. [...]

  85. Elfrida on Tue, 4th Nov 2008 2:25 pm

    86. Not much on my mind worth mentioning. What can I say? I haven’t been up to much lately. It’s not important. Oh well.,

Tell me what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!