"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt, 1910
The Man In The Arena was one of the first passages I memorized in July of 1999, Plebe Summer for the United States Naval Academy Class of 2003. It served simultaneously as a warning, a motivation, and a challenge to the approximately 1200 people who started in my class: a warning because we would all fail, many of us for the first time; a motivation since we all expected to overcome those failures and succeed; and a challenge calling us to remain in the arena, not just in our Naval careers, but for the rest of our lives.
This challenge has grown more urgent over the last several years. We’ve seen our political leadership focus on narrow political victories over governance, eroding our position in the world and lessening opportunities for Americans to improve their lot in life. When confronted with challenges that require cooperation, we witness petty insults and insinuations. When given evidence contrary to their own knowledge, we see opposition instead of observation. When courage is required we instead see cowardice.
This nation was founded and has prospered under the radical idea that all of us are equal in our humanity. The idea that the color of your skin, where you were born, who you love, or how much wealth you have would matter less than your character has never been popular; but those who dedicate themselves to the relentless pursuit of equality reap endless rewards. These distinctly American ideals are under attack today more fiercely from within than ever from a foreign power.
If we cower from the fight we are destined to lose. I’m stepping forward knowing that I face a tough fight, but it’s one for which my experiences have prepared me. I’ve served in the Navy and Marine Corps through eighteen years, four presidents, and two wars. No matter the fight I have always learned, adapted, and conquered. This fight is no different.
My team has campaign experience, deep political and local knowledge, and a burning desire to improve the lives of the 687,745 people in our district and the 323 million people throughout this great country. We face a vulnerable and unpopular freshman representative and a second Republican who thinks he can win as an independent. We will win this.
Learn about our campaign, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and spread the word about what we’re doing. If you live near the district, sign up to help. If you want to send a message that you believe Democrats can compete and win everywhere in this country, donate to the campaign.
This is a battle for our nation, and I’m running toward the sound of the gunfire. Come fight with me.