The National Democratic Party is a party of strong contrasts. Having been founded by Thomas Jefferson in the 1790’s, it is the oldest political party in the Western Hemisphere and the second oldest in the world. On the other hand, it is young – young in its idealism, in its approach to solving problems, in its vitality, its optimism and its eagerness to move ahead. Neither standing nor retrenching but always moving boldly forward, the Democratic Party realizes that government must be as changing and as dynamic as our changing and dynamic times.
Most of the great and near-great presidents have been Democrats: Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Jackson, Polk, Cleveland, Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Carter and Clinton. All of these presidents had vast influence on their political party.
Thomas Jefferson was truly a great Democrat.
Andrew Jackson was especially representative of the basic beliefs of the Party. If Thomas Jefferson was for the people, Andrews Jackson was of the people, because during his tenure “the people” arrived in Washington and took over the government, changing, among other things, the nominations of presidential candidates from the Congressional caucus to the political conventions of the people.
Grover Cleveland exemplified in his political life and philosophy the idea that “public office is a public trust.”
Woodrow Wilson led the country in its emergence as a great international power.
Franklin Roosevelt’s years of leadership spanned another great period of defining freedom and human rights.
Harry Truman’s programs were devoted to the equal rights of farmers, workers, minorities, and disadvantaged people. He initiated such new concepts as the Marshall Plan and North Atlantic Treaty.
John Kennedy’s short administration brought a new greatness to the concept of American leadership in a world torn by ideological division. In 1960 he pledged to get American moving again and he succeeded. History reserves a place of renown for him.
Lyndon Johnson’s years were a triumph for domestic social programs. Johnson set a national mood for quick passage of many far-reaching measures, particularly in the areas of civil rights, education and the war on poverty -- all of which were now part of Johnson’s effort to build “the Great Society”. It should be noted that Johnson’s Vice President was Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey, who would become the party’s presidential nominee in 1968.
Jimmy Carter’s tireless efforts for peace in the Middle East produced a historic bond between Israel and Eygpt. Carter’s early recognition of America’s dependence on foreign oil produced a short-lived but futuristic policy of energy conservation and environmental conscientiousness. Carter’s Vice President was another Minnesotan Walter F. Mondale, who like Humphrey, would become the party’s presidential nominee in 1984 and nominated the first woman to be the presidential ticket.
Bill Clinton, governor of the state of Arkansas, became the 42nd President of the United States in 1993. He became the first Democrat since Roosevelt to be re-elected President in 1996. Clinton began his term with the pledge that the fledgling economy would be his administration’s number one priority and it was. Clinton became the first President since Truman to reduce the size of the deficit, while still working for a growing economy. In fact when Clinton left office in 2000, the nation’s budget was see surpluses. He also led the passage of much important legislation, such as the Family Leave Act, NAFTA and the Crime Bill.
Today, after a 2000 election in which the Democratic nominee Vice President Al Gore carried the popular vote but lost the electoral college because of action’s by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Democratic Party, with experienced and able leadership from the many men and women who represent in public office, continues to march on. Their leadership under the banner of vigorous action for the well-being and financial security of the men and women of the country and for the protection of their human rights will lead us to victory in 2004.
The National Democratic Party’s main office is located at 430 South Capitol Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003; phone 202-863-8000; www.democrats.org.