From Contract with America to Commitment to America

During the midterm elections in 1994, the Republican Party advocated for a new plan designed to inspire Republican voters to vote in the midterm elections. It was called the “Contract with America,” written by Congressmen Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey. The plan described actions the Republicans promised to take if they became the majority party in Congress, including reducing the size of government, reforming welfare and cutting taxes. Straight Arrow News contributor Newt Gingrich describes how he hopes the Republican’s most recent plan, called the Commitment to America and spurred on by House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, will make a difference in the upcoming midterm elections in November.

Now, in September, I recently was with the House Republicans, as they adopted what they’re calling a “Commitment to America.” Very specific ideas, you can see them all at CommitmenttoAmerica.com. 

And I was fascinated. It’s very well developed. Kevin McCarthy, as leader, began over a year ago, having seven different working groups put together positive specific ideas to restore the America that works. I think this was a big development. I think it’s worth your looking at as a citizen. And I think you’re gonna find that there are a lot of things you really believe in that need to get done, that are right there in that “Commitment to America.” 

So I was asked yesterday to join them, and be part of it. I was honored to be with them. And I think that I felt like I was being part of history once again, just as in 1980, with Ronald Reagan, and in 1994, with the Contract. So take a look at the “Commitment to America,” I think you’re gonna find that it’s different, as positive. It’s a real effort to think about the solutions we need. 

And I think it’s going to be very healthy for the American system to get back to a debate about ideas and not just negative personality attacks.