All three speakers condemned America’s abandonment of international cooperation for the Bush administration’s de facto unilateralism, arguing that it weakened both the United States’ prestige and ability to wage the war on terror successfully.

The Bush administration’s policies “have changed the face of America around the globe from that of a giant peacemaker to that of a schoolyard bully,” Byrd said. “People who once declared strong allegiance with America now question our purpose. That is not America.”

Pointing to Byrd’s example, both Kennedy and Clark encouraged members of the audience to help rein in the Bush administration’s excesses. Though both agreed that most citizens could not be expected to curb government missteps as effectively as Byrd, each argued that a small contribution combined with those of similar-minded individuals could vote Kerry into the White House.

“It is the soldier’s responsibility to follow the orders or the Commander in Chief,” Clark said. “And most wouldn’t have it any other way. But [providing a check on the president] is the responsibility of every citizen.”

Byrd emphatically echoed that sentiment, calling upon the audience to overcome the bitter partisanship that currently divides America and to launch a coordinated effort to prevent “the dimming of freedom’s flame.”

Mirroring his comments on the duties of his Congressional colleagues, Byrd emphasized the importance of exercising those freedoms of expression and thought curtailed by the current administration’s policies.

“A single act of bravery can lead an army against great odds,” Byrd said. “The strength of a single individual can give hope to the hopeless, voice to the voiceless, power to the powerless. And the precious light of liberty will once again burn brightly.”

“This is the hour of decision,” he added. “Let us fight to save our country.”

—Staff writer Timothy J. McGinn can be reached at mcginn@fas.harvard.edu.