U.S. Senator Ben Sasse visits Wake Forest

Earlier this week Sen. Ben Sasse visited the campus of Wake Forest University for an open discussion with Provost Rogan Kersh. During the hour long discussion inside Broyhill Auditorium,  Sasse shared his thoughts on a number of topics including the need for civil discourse, President Donald Trump, the current state of our political system, and much more.

Sen. Sasse, a Republican who represents Nebraska was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014, having campaigned on a platform of restoring the Constitution and making the American Dream achievable for every family. Since taking office, he has advocated for Congressional term limits, a leaner federal government and less partisan politics. Before he was elected Sasse worked as a business consultant. He also spent five years as a college president at Midland University.

While sitting down with Provost Kersh on Monday, Sasse didn’t pull any punches when discussing the need for Republicans and Democrats to work together to improve the economy and other issues. He said the two parties can’t agree on what problems politics can solve and what problems it can’t solve.

“When you don’t know what problem you’re trying to solve its hard to get to a place where the means to an end can be worked out clearly. I think what’s happening right now is massive disintermediation of lots and lots of our economy which has huge economic potential,” continued Sasse. “…we can’t get basic things done because everything is an apocalyptic battle.”

When Kersh asked what can be done to bring parties together Sen. Sasse said, he thinks Americans are electing the wrong kind of people.

He said many of the people he works with are only concerned with getting reelected.

“Right now out of 535 people maybe two-thirds of them are really not committed to having that job and that’s not helping. Because if the biggest long-term thought you have is your own re-election in two years in the House, or you own reelection in six year in the Senate you’re not going to wrestle with the 10 to 25 year problems,” said Sasse. “You keeping this job is not the most important thing in the world if you care about the country. That’s why you’re doing public service.”

He said, “If you just had textured humans in the congress you would realize that a policy debate about x,y,or z probably isn’t the only way to thing about this person. I don’t start by thinking about people by their policy position.”

As the conversation continued Sasse who is a fifth-generation Nebraskan took a few moments to share his thoughts on President Donald Trump. Before Trump was selected as the Republican nominee Sasse shared a post on social media why he didn’t support him.

As 2017 draws to a close Sasse said his feelings towards the Trump Administration haven’t changed but, he understands he has a job to do and will.

“I try to work constructively with whoever the president is. I tried to do that with President Obama who I agreed with on lots of policy so that’s what I try to do with President Trump whom I disagree on lots of basic American Civics,” Sasse said.

Following the open discussion sophomore Reed Conner said the event was eye opening. He said Sen. Sasse’s views on several tops show his individuality.

“He gives an individual perspective that other people wouldn’t consider,” he said. “It’s refreshing to hear someone young and energized about this process.”