Daily Iowan

Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Opinions

Media Credit: Ben Roberts/The Daily Iowan

Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd has dedicated his life to helping and serving others. A former member of the Peace Corps and U.S. National Guard and Army Reserve, Dodd turned his attention to professional politics in 1974. After spending six years in the House of Representatives, he was elected to the Senate in 1980. Now a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, Dodd met with members of the DI's Editorial Board on Nov. 8 to discuss his plans for America.

- The war in Iraq has become the centerpiece of this presidential campaign, and Dodd says that withdrawing troops there is essential to refocus the effort in Afghanistan. He worries that saber-rattling has already begun in preparation for an invasion of Iran and warns that the Bush administration is "precariously close" to starting another war in the Middle East. Dodd insists that a return to diplomacy and rebuilding broken relationships with allies is the best way to win the war on terror, and we agree. In general, Dodd was impressively astute and well-informed on international law and geopolitics.

- Dodd's commitment to alternative energy research is not only noble, it's necessary. The current administration has ignored the threat of global warming, and the importance of electing a president with a clear objective on curbing our reliance on foreign oil cannot be overstated. "This is a gift our generation can give to the next," Dodd says.

- When discussing gay marriage, the senator insisted that marriage is a state institution. Asked what he would do if his own child were gay, the senator responded, "If it were legal in her state, I would support my daughter." However, we feel that full faith and credit should be extended on a federal basis regardless of sexual orientation.

- During his many years in the U.S. Congress, Dodd has formed friendships across the aisle. He says that on many occasions he's found "common ground" with political opponents. This approach is sorely lacking in America today, and President Bush's refusal to work with Democrats has only deteriorated already-fragile relationships. This country needs a leader who will unify parties that are content with disagreeing on the pettiest of issues. When a national crisis emerges, this country needs a leader who can find the type of common ground described by Dodd.

Though Dodd has never lost a campaign, his likelihood of securing the Democratic nomination is slim. In an AP-Ipsos poll conducted last week, only around 1 percent of respondents said they would vote for him; party front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton, meanwhile, led all Democratic candidates with 45 percent. Dodd's dedication to public service is admirable, and his ability to build relationships with opposing party officials as well as world leaders is impressive. If his presidential campaign is not successful but the Democratic Party is victorious next November, the future commander-in-chief would do well to include Dodd in her or his Cabinet.

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