It’s hard to get away from politics these days. Tonight is the third and final debate of the 2016 US presidential election. And like so many across the country, I am ready for this whole thing to be finished.
I used to believe that there was honor in politics. And maybe there still is at a certain level.
I have a friend running for state senate. He’s an honorable guy and I think he could do some good things for the state if he wins.
And while there are many others just like my friend who do want to make a difference, there are also many people in politics who do want to make changes. And as you move up the political ladder, those that want to make changes are fewer and fewer.
Instead, as you move up the political ladder, politics becomes more and more about money not making things better.
At least that was what I believed up until this election cycle began.
This election cycle has taken politics into an even more disturbing place. At a time when the general population is becoming more and more frustrated and confrontational than at any other period in my life, the candidates are much more focused on character attacks than substantive discussions about what they would do if elected.
And the media is more than happy to pile on the attacks.
The media used to be about reporting events. Now that has been replaced by opinion news. I would much rather have the facts and develop my own opinions.
But with all that said, I will be watching tonight’s debate with optimistic enthusiasm that we’ll get to see a substantive discussion on the issues that matter – foreign policy, tax plans, economic growth initiatives, the national debt, homeland security, race relations, social issues.
All of these are important considerations when electing a president and we voters deserve to see how the candidates plan to deal with these issues.
Readers, please feel free to comment or tweet me with your thoughts, observations, and opinions on presidential politics .
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Good morning FS. You may be surprised to know that the US election is being followed very closely here in Australia, and probably much of the world, as we watch what appears to be a slow-motion train wreck heading towards its conclusion. How, in hell, did we end up with these two? These debates would actually may pretty entertaining viewing if the reason behind them wasn’t so serious. Many of us here in Oz will be tuned in today to see part three of this circus play out.
That is interesting to hear, Martin. With the nonstop media coverage here, it’s as if the rest of the world has gone on pause. I know that’s not the case, but we see almost nothing other than election news.
Having watched the final debate, I would say that it was the best of the three. We finally got to hear directly from the candidates about their positions on substantive issues. While character is a part of any decision, it’s not the only thing to consider.
Thanks for the comment.
Not only is the quality of debate and ideas offered extremely disappointing, but the promises of a few of Trump’s supporters to pretty much have a revolution is truly worrying, as is Trump’s refusal to just accept the result of the election like every other politician has over the years.
The constant hyperbole and exaggeration of how bad presidents are just makes the reaction worse and worse. I wish at least the people at the top of political pyramid would treat people with respect – that would hopefully at least be a good role model for their supporters.
Tristan
This is definitely an election like no other, Tristan. At least it’s not what I’m used to seeing over here.
It was an interesting weekend in politics with the FBI reopening the investigation into Hillary’s email situation. Things are moving so fast, I have to wonder, what will happen to whoever wins the election? Will they be able to get anything accomplished?