In Colorado we have worked hard to replace partisan gridlock with collaboration. Sometimes politics gets in the way, but for the most part, Republicans and Democrats work together in the Centennial State.
The same is true for our country as a whole. Just because we have our differences — sometimes heated ones — shouldn’t mean we can’t work together to solve problems. Goals we all share, including creating more good-paying jobs, keeping Americans safe, educating our kids and protecting our environment are challenges that won’t be easily resolved with slogans or partisan politics. It’s more important than ever that we refuse to let those differences keep us from finding common ground.
That’s why I’m supporting Hillary Clinton for president of the United States.
I admire Clinton, first and foremost, because of her longstanding record of working across the aisle to get things done. Throughout her career — from her time as first lady to her years in the Senate and her tenure as secretary of state – Clinton’s hallmark has been her willingness to work together, build coalitions, and find common ground in order to make a difference. As first lady, that meant working with members of Congress as divergent as Sen. Orrin Hatch and Sen. Ted Kennedy to help pass the bipartisan State Children’s Health Insurance Program. As a U.S. senator, that meant working with Sen. John McCain to expand healthcare access for members of the National Guard.
And as secretary of state, that meant working with leaders around the globe on everything from enforcing economic sanctions to negotiating cease-fires. Because working together isn’t just about transcending political partisanship. It’s also about what we need to do to protect our national security and our position in the global economy — whether that is coordinating with our allies in Europe and the Middle East to combat the global threat of terrorism or bringing world leaders together to enforce sanctions on Iran.
Insults, smears and name-calling are easy. Some politicians even get their party’s highest nomination that way. It’s easy to tweet. Collaboration and accomplishment, on the other hand, is hard. It isn’t flashy. But it’s effective. And Clinton’s experience and temperament got results, again and again, building coalitions, getting the facts, working with — not alienating — others.
Sadly, this election season has been colored by divisive rhetoric and increased polarization. So it’s even more important to elect a president who not only speaks to a message of collaboration and inclusion, but knows how to make that a reality. When Clinton talks about working across the aisle and bringing people together, she’s truly walked her talk — everywhere from Capitol Hill to the global stage.
For a long time, our administration in Colorado has been focused on “good government.” It’s not the greatest bumper sticker in the world but it gets at what we believe people want and deserve. It’s government that lives up to the people of this state: efficiently, effectively and equitably.
Clinton is running for president in much the same spirit. She wants to make government work better, with greater efficiency and with a positive impact on people’s lives. She understands the importance of stability in our economy. She does her homework and has a strong policy background. She knows how complicated the world is, and knows how to find common ground to get the job done.
Clinton believes the same thing I do: that our commonalities are greater than our differences, and that what unites us is greater than what divides us. She believes that we, the American people, are stronger together. And that’s why she has my vote for president.
John Hickenlooper is governor of Colorado. Thinking of submitting an op-ed to the Washington Examiner? Be sure to read our guidelines on submissions.
