Friday, October 17, 2008

Election Season Negativity

Enough already.

Whether criticism is launched by the two major party campaigns, by both conservative and liberal talking heads, or in vaguely sinister rotocalls, or the endless ads run by the parties, the campaigns, and (especially) special interest groups, or by the candidates themselves, the result is the same: negativity.

And we're sick of it.

I do not care if it works, it's not right.

So let's start from a new place, one where we assume that everyone is a decent human being.

Let's admire John McCain for not only his military service, but his distinguished career as a senator. Let's appreciate Barack Obama's unique understanding of the poor, and admire the choice of community activism that gave him that understanding. Let's be pleased that Sarah Palin has a close, collaborative marriage with her husband and applaud her drive and passion. Let's be grateful for Joe Biden's consistent devotion to his family and his dignity.

And, for goodness sake, stop wasting time talking about tenuous connections and human mistakes as if politicians can't be as flawed as the rest of us.

Instead, let's have a campaign where the philosophies and plans of the candidates are made clearer each day, so voters go to the polls with a clear understanding of their choice.

Pipe dream? Probably. Doable? Absolutely.

Will it happen?

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