Daily Texan Staff
Bipartisanship must rise above partisan interests no matter if Democrats or Republicans dominate the newly elected U.S. Senate, said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., Thursday night before 400 people at the LBJ Auditorium.
Along with the presidential race, the make-up of the Senate is still up in the air, currently consisting of 49 Democrats and 50 Republicans, with one seat still undecided. Results of the Washington senate race between Democrat Maria Cantwell and Republican Slade Gorton will decide whether the Republicans maintain a majority or share a 50-50 split with Democrats.
He also spoke of the lasting legacy of former President Lyndon B. Johnson as a heroic figure in efforts to bring both parties together, as well as current impressions about the still undecided tight presidential race.
Daschle said most people in Congress want to work together, and effective cooperation between the two parties is something the American people want to see.
"The cynicism is already high, and we can't let it get any higher," he said. "We have to do it."
Citing differences in philosophy that led to the failure of a budget amendment on Oct. 31, Daschle said America will see unyielding debate on issues including health care, prescription drugs and education play themselves out.
"I think we can find it within ourselves to pull together and do the right thing," he said. "I know it's an uphill battle, but it's certainly in the realm of possibility."
Brandy Knox, Plan II/Spanish freshman, said the near split of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate will be positive for the country.
"It should be split down the middle like this," she said. "It shows that American people are split and that they shouldn't go in and make any rash decisions."
Daschle said congressional leaders must keep in mind the effects of their policies.
"We need to look beyond partisanship so we can once again see the faces of those little children or people that made us want to get into public policy in the first place," he said.
After praising LBJ's successful achievements in the Senate and his ability to unite the parties, Daschle tackled questions from the audience concerning the presidential election.
With the election in limbo until Nov. 17, the Electoral College has come under fire during the waning moments of the election. Vice President Al Gore currently has the majority of the popular vote and the electoral vote, with 260 electoral votes. However, if Gov. George W. Bush wins the 25 electoral votes up for grabs in Florida, he will become the next president.
Daschle said he feels the Electoral College is an essential element of the American democracy and should not be abolished, saying the candidates would end up campaigning only in highly populated states.
"We'd see the polarization, demographically and geographically, of this country," he said.
Considering the closeness of the presidential race and the controversy over ballots in Palm Beach County, Daschle said those voters should be allowed to go back to the polls.
"If all else fails, I think there should be [a re-election]," he said. "I haven't decided tonight if that's the only choice we'll have, but I think that it is a tragedy to disenfranchise that many voters."
Knox said the presidential election's suspense has kept many glued to the TV news and newspapers, inspiring more to participate in the election process.
"You will never tell me again that my vote doesn't count," she said.
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