Submitted by Andrea Perrault
The race for the presidency of the United States certainly has been eventful so far, with occurrences I’m sure none of us had anticipated. Some are good – racial and gender diversity among the candidates for one – but most, although unexpected, are worrisome.
The sustained momentum of Donald Trump as a potential nominee of the Republican Party is likely the most surprising for Massachusetts’ liberals. His success signifies that traditional political leaders and their handlers in both parties had misjudged the distrust and disaffection of the voting public. Prior years’ seeming over-reliance on big money, advertising, and what amounted to voter harassment had drained the electorate of energy and a taste for the blood sport of American politics.
More voters seemed to wish we had election cycles as short as those of other countries like the United Kingdom and Canada. The public needed a respite from the campaign overkill of the recent past, and political operatives did not understand the depth of voter discouragement and discontent. Though they may be obsessed with polls and punditry, the larger population no longer is. We were tired. Hence, the rise of what seemed like political entertainment over the summer months.
The Republican debates were spectacles that amazed many: — so many candidates that a “big kids”, and a “little kids” table, emerged. At neither table were issues or public policy of significance addressed with seriousness. Candidates with no political or public sector experience or heft – Trump, Carson, and Fiorina – emerged to dominate the airwaves and these debates. Democrats, intellectuals, and many others were aghast at the name-calling, race-baiting, and ego-boosting diatribes that dominated these events. In fact, they seemed to provide an odd kind of entertainment instead. If we were tired of politics, maybe we’d at least be amused by circus-like sideshows. The candidates blamed the media, and the media became defensive. No winners here!
Democrats fared better in the debates, discussing solid policy issues, both domestic and international. At least, one could count the candidates on one hand and recognize that they did have the knowledge to engage in serious dialogue about public policy. These candidates had much experience to rely and reflect on. Bernie Sanders mobilized young voters and established himself as a viable contender for the nomination. Hillary Clinton established herself as a very strong debater, giving in to no one on the Democratic or Republican side. Martin O’Malley is still in the fray, although he likely will not command a following strong enough to continue in the quest. Joe Biden excused himself which, given the circumstance of his son’s untimely death, seemed reasonable.
The country and the voters seem not to be “winners” so far, with rhetoric that only seems to divide us being predominant in the public discourse. It does seem that the political handlers and pundits are clear “losers” – the public does not want politics as usual. However, we may not get politics as usual, but what we end up getting could be far worse – landing us all in the “loser” category. Become engaged, help to educate the electorate in your community, contribute to and vote for serious candidates, and hope we all will win.