The first big Presidential debates that I can remember happened in 1960. I was just 10 years old, but I remember that the idea of a national presidential debate stirred the public appetite. My family was deeply devoted to John F. Kennedy, the young Catholic candidate who inspired so much energy and interest. His opponent, Richard M. Nixon, was the Vice-President of the United States. Kennedy at the time was a Senator from Massachusetts.
Both men were dignified, respectful speakers, though Kennedy had much more personality and charm than Nixon. Perhaps that is the reason that Kennedy was generally considered to have won the debates. Interestingly, those who only listened to the debates on the radio felt that Nixon had won. The television viewers tended to favor Kennedy. Those debates, by today’s standards, were incredibly dignified and civilized affairs. Neither candidate spoke over the other, interrupted the other, or called the other names. Civility was still a thing back in 1960.
Fast forward to modern debates where candidates are itching to attack one another, talk over one another, and avoid actually answering questions. Debates these days are tawdry affairs where one leaves the spectacle feeling somehow angry, confused, and indeed hopeless that this is the best that the Republic has to offer.
I am not making partisan apologies here for any candidate or party. Political rhetoric on both sides of the aisle has become loathsome. Rather, I am lamenting the lack of civility, courtesy and respect that is demonstrated in current political debates. We no longer seem to expect good behavior from candidates for higher office. If this is the future of how debates distinguish the best candidates, we are in very serious trouble, my friends.
The virtues that we value, and try to teach to our children, are not modeled by those candidates for higher office in this country. Indeed, those virtues are disdained for the tactics of attacks on character, bullying, anger, divisiveness, and pomposity.
So, as political parties ramp up for another Presidential election, I am lamenting the loss of civility. Wake me up in time for the election, but I’ll pass on the “debates” thank you very much.
Reflections of a Counselor 