BEEBE: The former governor, shown here in a file photo, urged the Arkansas delegation to "politely and constructively" engage with those who express cynicism about government. Brian Chilson

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe (who spent his 7th and 8th grade years in New Mexico) spoke at the final breakfast of the Arkansas and New Mexico delegations to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this morning. Beebe reiterated the key themes of Barack Obama’s speech yesterday evening endorsing Hillary Clinton’s candidacy.

Beebe said that only cynicism — leading to citizens’ disconnect from politics and low voter turnout — could harm America’s commitment to democracy. While never mentioning Donald Trump directly, Beebe suggested (like Obama) that this year’s election is not just another quadrennial decision of the electorate but a battle over whether the United States will continue to its commitment to self-government.

Advertisement

Alluding to Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev’s promise to “bury” the United States, Beebe said that “we are the only persons who can bury us.” The answer, according to Beebe, is engagement with those who express cynicism about government “politely and constructively.”  This was the former governor’s charge to Democratic activists after the Convention. It is telling that both Obama and Beebe — neither of whom is prone to hyperbole nor drawn to drama — suggested the stakes in this election were so great within 12 hours of one another.

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article DNC Day 3: What the world needs now Next article Metroplan’s report shows a changing housing market in Central Arkansas