Bob Cooper

Vice Chair
Like many people, Bob came to Middle Tennessee for education and stayed because he loved the region. The Gibson County, Tennessee native, works as a digital technician for a telecommunications company and works for the community as a union and Democratic activist. Active in the Communications Workers of America, Bob works on behalf of working people throughout the community. He has been a district representative on the DCDP's Executive Committee for several years, and now serves as the Party's vice chair. He also spends time working on issues in his West Nashville neighborhood.

First Political Memory
My first political memory that comes to mind is watching the national political conventions. I could not get enough of them. I had a sense that I was taking part in something big, something that made a difference to our country.

Guiding Principles
Our party, and our country, at all levels, should have a place for everyone at the table. Everyone's opinion should be valued and considered in making decisions.

Motto
Treat individuals with kindness and consideration, the way I think we would all like to be treated, i.e. -- the "Golden Rule."

Heroes
John Kennedy -- he raised our sights to be concerned about ideas beyond ourselves, to be concerned for the greater good.

Bill Clinton -- His ability to communicate with people. I had the opportunity to hear him speak in Washington at the CWA National Legislative Conference in 2003. He was already out of office and George W. was preparing for his reelection. Bush was wreaking such havoc on our nation. We all were so down because of this and the attacks Bush was making on the Labor movement. We expected President Clinton to make a fire-breathing speech about taking on the GOP. Instead, he knew what we needed better than we did. His speech was one of being positive -- talking about what America should and could be. He urged us not to stoop to the negative levels of the GOP. His words were salve to our wounds. They were what we needed to hear.

Why He is a Democrat
The Democratic Party is a party that includes everyone, no matter their standing, race or station of life. Being a Democrat means attempting to bring all the good things of living in in this country to all our citizens -- jobs, educating our children, health care, security, the opportunity to participate in our society. We all have a stake in our community and nation.

How He Got Involved
It just seemed to be the place to be, where I felt at home. Democratic candidates were for ideas and issues that were important to me. I started at the ground level, mainly putting up signs. Boy, have I put up a lot of signs over the years!