How far we have traveled from the style of the old-fashioned political debates. At one time the norm for a political debate was to challenge the other candidate in a direct and sometimes heated discussion over the issues. Now the common denominator is to use sarcastic and slanderous expressions in describing the other candidate’s character and looks.
While that might be entertaining to some, it is a mockery of the entire electoral process. The only candidate who stands tall in decency is Jeb Bush, but his message is being drowned out by the vindictive noise and insulting rhetoric of Donald Trump.
The use of and reliance on super PAC funds or personal wealth to promote a candidate is not the American way, and that, by itself, is perhaps the most important election reform that needs to be made.
The Supreme Court needs to reverse its decision allowing unlimited super PAC monies for campaign purposes. After the Iowa and New Hampshire votes coming up, it could be that we will be left to choose from the presidential candidates with the most badly tarnished reputations.
We can only hope that sometime soon, the American people will, with a resounding voice, say, “Enough of this mean-spirited and hate rhetoric.” I hope that it happens soon because I do not want to be alone in saying it myself.
This November, every American should be selecting the best candidate for the White House, who possesses strong leadership but can also earn our respect because of his or her natural decency.
John Oser
Parsonsfield
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