Political Pundit Donna Brazile - Civility in the National Political Discourse

     As we prepare for the impending 2012 presidential election, political pundit, Donna Brazile encourages political discourse and examination of the issues, but advises that it is possible to do so without denigrating and attacking each other. In her recent address at the Weinberg Center Y of Central Maryland, Brazile paid tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, saying that if he were alive, he would rebuke those in the political arena contributing to and perpetuating negative dialogue.




     Brazile says although it is difficult to remain civil in this political environment, it is possible by adhering to several simple principles: faith, love, humility, and trust.

     "Dr. King taught us that faith is taking the first step, even when we can't see the stairs," Brazile said. "Love is the key to many or our problems. I will not let anyone occupy my heart with hate. When I get angry, I try to figure out how to make someone else's day better."

     Brazile says attend political debates, but remain humble enough to listen to opponents objectively. Respect those with whom we do not share views, and to quote an old adage, "disagree without being disagreeable." Figure out how to turn negativity into positivity. Rather than dwell on loses and failure, focus on opportunities. Distrust, one of the impediments to civility, must be conquered, and that will happen through dialogue. Name calling has to stop, but responding to it is also unacceptable for Brazile was taught, "it is not what someone calls you, but what you answer to."

     The political activist is passionate about the future of the youth, and is an advocate for the underserved and underprivileged. She encourages young people to work within the system to improve it, to vote, and run for public office. Brazile is particularly disturbed by denigration of those living in poverty, and says that dignity of those in economic distress must be defended and needs must be addressed.

     In the upcoming election, Brazile is confident that President Barak Obama will be re-elected. She looks at it from a mathematical perspective. If everyone who voted in 2008 votes for him again, he will receive enough votes. In framing the political discourse, she says it is important to discuss why we want President Obama re-elected, rather than why we don't want the republican candidate. She has faith that he can help put America back on track despite the gridlock that currently exists.

      Photos by Titilayo Akanke

     Donna Brazile is a political analyst who regularly appears on ABC's This Week, as well as an on-air contributor to CNN and NPR. She is a syndicated columnist, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, and the author of the best-selling memoir, Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics. She has been involved in the political arena for 42 years, since she was a child, and has participated in seven presidential campaigns. She is the founder and director of Brazile and Associates, LLC, a grassroots advocacy, consulting, and training firm based in Washington DC. She has received several honors for her work including being named one of Oprah Magazine's 20 Remarkable Visionaries, 100 Most Powerful Women (Washingtonian), and Top 50 Women in America (Essence). She also received the highest award for political achievement from the Congressional Black Caucus.