| Last week, Left in Alabama had the pleasure of interviewing AL-05 Democratic candidate Charlie Holley. It was a wide-ranging discussion about his philosophy of government, views on education, health care, and more. Over the next week, we'll be posting clips from the interview. This one - leadership and representing the best interests of the district - seemed like a good lead-off topic because incumbent Congressman Mo Brooks has had problems in this area: During the interview, Mr. Holley stressed the importance of working together to accomplish goals.
We noted that Congressman Brooks has been pretty outspoken in Washington - "not necessarily tactful" - and asked Holley what his philosophy would be. Here's a partial transcript: I have one word that I use to describe my opponent: overzealous. What that means is they have too much of a strong belief in their philosophy. And when they consider everything they say to be gospel truth and everything anyone else says just to be nonsense, they have a tendency to have an arrogance about them. You can't have an attitude like that and be successful at working with other people across the aisle. You cannot.
You have to have wisdom; you have to be poised; you have to have tact. And you cannot make enemies on your way to Washington - and you cannot make enemies once you arrive there. Remember: you're there to represent the people. And even though we may not agree with someone, we can at least be nice, respectful, and not just say things to make people upset. If we do, we become ineffective.
Since I've been in church leadership, I think that's prepared me for politics in a way. because I have to deal with people who may not like what I say, but I have to say it in a nice, loving manner. I have to find a way to communicate with this person. So we must remember that, as leaders, especially as representatives, we are representing other people. We must not be overzealous about our thoughts and our opinions.
Now, I believe in the Democratic Party. I believe in our thoughts and our principals. I love my party. But I can't put those principles or my party above the well-being of other people. Human beings are much more important. We have to stand up for our principles, but we can't do it in such a way that makes us seem arrogant, anti-social, and "it's my way or the highway" type behavior.
We have to be likeable in order to get something accomplished.
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