The empty chair
Florida voters are expressing their displeasure at Republican “leadership” in a way that is both symbolic and productive. Election skeptic Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida’s 3rd Congressional District has refused to hold a town hall since Donald Trump took office, so her constituents have decided to hold “empty chair” town halls instead.
Cammack calls this effort a “political stunt.” However, it is clear these special town halls are meaningful and reflect citizens’ desire to have a voice in matters that affect them. Since Cammack refuses to attend, the town halls are getting filmed and sent to her, so she can at least hear the questions and concerns posed by the people she was elected to serve.
It’s an ironic turn from the unsuccessful stunt Clint Eastwood pulled at the Republican National Convention back in 2012. The actor took the stage, unannounced, and improvised a speech to an empty chair as if it were President Barack Obama, who was running for reelection against Mitt Romney. Although Eastwood’s performance was awkward and off the rails, he communicated the idea that “[w]e own this country. It’s not politicians owning it; politicians are employees of ours… And when somebody does not do the job, we got to let ’em go.”
Thirteen years later, Florida voters—and many others across the United States—are being forced to face empty chairs instead of real, accountable leaders who are committed to engaging with the people they represent. At these events, voters express concerns about Social Security, healthcare, and a range of issues, beginning with “Good evening, Representative Empty Chair Cammack,” only to hope they will be heard by those in power to do something.
Eastwood’s odd rant has now come full circle. The empty chair is now a tragic sign of Republican aloofness—and yet another reminder of the GOP’s long record of hypocrisy.
Ron Leshnower is a lawyer and the author of several books, including President Trump’s Month