Archive: Opinions

EditorialThis morning I read an essay by the national columnist Michael Kinsley, in which he humorously accuses the Republicans of a dirty trick: running a decent, honorable man for President.  "In its desperate hunger for victory at any cost, the Republican Party is on the verge of choosing a presidential candidate, John McCain, who is widely regarded (everywhere except in the Republican Party itself) as honest, courageous, likeable and intelligent," he says.  He concludes, "I cannot believe that a man as fine and decent as McCain would want to become President by the underhanded tactic of accepting the nomination of a party that loves him only for his appeal to the opposition.  If McCain were half the principled gentleman he pretends to be, he would drop out now in favor of Rush Limbaugh."

But Kinsley, who explains he is a lifelong Democrat, also says, "I am surely going to vote against McCain, but it is going to take work, and there will be moments of doubt.  This will be no fun.  Doubts are for independents."  If you ask me, that's what's wrong with this country in a nutshell.

Typically Presidential candidates pander to extremists in their parties during the primaries, leaving those of us who live in reality weak choices when it comes to the general election.  When people unthinkingly vote the party line it almost makes sense, because elections like that are all about parties.   Cynical commentators prattle endlessly about strategies, little sideshows featuring blustering party wags, and what the candidates are wearing -- just about anything but issues that may actually affect our lives in meaningful ways.

But this year something remarkable is happening.  On the Republican side, McCain is poised to be the Republican candidate, despite the fact that he says what he thinks (a novel concept in Washington) and tries to do what he thinks is right even if it gets him in trouble with those who march a straight party line.  On the Democrat side, an Obama victory could mean an opponent with different philosophical values and goals who equally seems to be sincere about why he would do what he says he'll do.  Who campaigns on issues, not mere political strategizing.

In other words we are faced with the possibility that two decent candidates who are clearly differentiated philosophically could elevate the national debate to -- can it be? -- actual issues.  This is a breath of fresh air in American politics, but I have low hopes that we as a nation will take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Because most people vote the party line.  To me voting the party line is about the same as not voting.  It throws away your ability and fundamental right to choose.  It is an excuse for not listening and not thinking.  Most elections don't require much thinking.  But this time around it could actually be worth looking at the candidates closely and listening to what they have to say.  And voting for the one who is best for America, not just the one whose party affiliation matches your own.

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