Country above party is a false dichotomy

I am voting a straight Republican ticket for the country’s sake

In these last weeks leading up to one the most polarizing elections in recent history, the phrase “Country above party!” has become one of the Democrats’ rallying cries. When Vice President Kamala Harris gave what she called her closing arguments in a speech on the Ellipse this week, she said,

And I pledge to be a president for all Americans and to always put country above party and self.

I wonder if ‘all Americans’ includes the Trump supporters that President Biden called garbage?

When a Democrat praises someone for putting country over party, it’s always a Republican like Liz Cheney who has pledged their support for Harris. You never hear Democrats praising people like Tulsi Gabbard, who left their ranks to vote for Donald Trump.

In truth,’ country above party’ is a false dichotomy. Many think that there is a forced choice between patriotism and party loyalty. It suggests that this is a zero-sum game, that the more you support a party, the less you support the country and vice versa. Readers of this column know that I am a Republican. When I turned in my ballot (I voted early), I voted for a straight Republican ticket. It is because of, not despite, my love for this country that I am so committed to the Republican Party and its principles.

Whether you like it or not, American Politics is a team sport. In this sport, there are really only two teams: Democrats and Republicans. I know my Libertarian and independent friends may disagree. There are other parties in Iowa and the nation, but in November 2024, only two matter. From the county courthouse to the U.S. Capitol, the party in the majority picks the leadership and sets the agenda.

I am a Republican because I believe core Republican principles best serve our nation. This includes a commitment to free speech and religious freedom. All Americans should have the right to voice their beliefs and practice their faith without interference. I stand firmly for the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms. I also believe it is time to dismantle the federal Department of Education so that educational policy is made in the community, not Washington. Additionally, I support policies that foster a thriving business climate, empowering American workers and entrepreneurs. I believe that Americans pay too much in taxes. National security is a priority, from strengthening our defenses to ending the humanitarian crisis at the border.

In this election, there is more at stake than just the presidency. Currently, Republicans hold a narrow eight-seat majority in the House, while Democrats maintain a slim one-seat edge in the Senate. The outcomes of this year’s congressional races will be pivotal, as the balance of power in both chambers could shift. To realize these core Republican principles, it is not enough to elect a Republican president; we also need to keep control of the House and win control of the Senate. On Tuesday, I’ll be watching congressional results just as closely as the presidential race. I am looking forward to Ashley Hinson being reelected to serve as our Representative in House District 2.

Local races are often overlooked in a presidential election, yet they play a critical role in our daily lives. In many ways, our state and local governments have a more immediate impact than the federal government on issues like education, taxes, public safety, and infrastructure. Here in Linn County, we have a great slate of Republican candidates running for Iowa House, Iowa Senate, and county supervisor. For the Iowa Senate, we have Charlie McClintock and Kris Gulick. Barclay Woerner, John Thompson, Cindy Golding, and Tom Gerholdt are the local Republicans running for the Iowa House. Brandy Zumbach Meisheid is running for supervisor. As a political activist, I have had the opportunity to interact with all of these people over the years, and I know that each of them understands the issues that concern us here in Linn County. I wish I could vote for them all, but only Woerner, Gulick and Hinson are on the ballot for my precinct.

I don’t agree with every Republican on every issue, but I am voting for the team. I am a Republican, and I voted a straight Republican ticket. Not because I put my party above my country but because, as an American, I care deeply about this country, and I believe that my party, the Republican Party, and the principles it embraces are the best path forward for protecting our freedoms, promoting economic growth, and ensuring a secure future for all Americans.

David Chung is a Gazette editorial fellow. david.chung@thegazette.com