There is a line in the first Harry Potter book and movie that has always been rather poignant to me, especially given that it comes from a children’s book.
“There are all kinds of courage,” the line goes. “It take a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
Last week, Senator Mitch McConnell showed that kind of courage when he stood up to his friends and colleagues in the Republican National Committee for their censuring of two House Republicans – Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois. The RNC censured the duo for their participation in the House panel investigating the January 6 insurrection attempt and storming of the capital.
While McConnell said clearly that he felt the events of January 6 were “a violent insurrection” and an attempt to overturn the certification of a legal election, and that it was “not the job of the RNC” to “(single) out members of our party who may have different views from the majority,” he stopped short of breaking with the RNC completely. When pressed he said he continues to support the RNC Chair, Ronna McDaniel – even while he disagrees with the RNC’s tack.
There is a lot of legitimate criticism to be leveled at McConnell – as there is with any politician, including both the current and former presidents – but it’s admirable to see him stand for his convictions, even when they clash with others in his party.
Leaders don’t always get to “go along to get along.” Sometimes they have to stand up and say you are going down the wrong path. McConnell hasn’t been afraid to do that when he sees his party ignoring sound medical advice, attempting to quash the freedom to dissent, or whitewashing violent protests.
Even if you don’t agree with him, you have to respect that.
