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November 6, 2008
THE POLITICS OF PERSONAL DESTRUCTION
By Bruce Sessions
I’ve never quite understood why political candidates have to resort to the politics of personal destruction in order to win an election. A candidate has to destroy the opponent by attacking character, morals, family life…and on and on it goes. I’m told “It’s the only way you can win.”
It’s sad…but it’s true! Unfortunately, the very nature of political campaigns keeps a lot of intelligent, and highly qualified people from throwing their hats into the political arena. Who in their right mind wants to run for an office knowing full well that an opponent will stop at nothing to destroy any and all other candidates vying for office?
Political campaigns can be likened to a food fight in a junior high school cafeteria. Why any intelligent person would want to dive into that garbage bin is beyond me.
On the plus side, though; I see where Chico has cleaned up its act. The race for city council this time, was the cleanest since I arrived here in 1985. It was a pleasure to watch when compared with the decade of the 90’s. That’s when things got so bad, the citizens finally said “Enough!” An attack ad by a candidate could spell that candidate’s defeat.
All the candidates for Chico City Council, winners and losers, should feel proud. So, too….should the citizens of Chico.
Posted by Post Scripts at November 6, 2008 9:54 AM
Comments
It's real nice the elections didn't get nasty, but then again voters did'nt vote very smart, they re-elected the same ol liberals that have been breakin the city coffers. That ain't very smart is it?
Posted by: FredDred | November 6, 2008 4:27 PM
Morally it doesn't make sense. Ideally we could do without. The process we use lets candidates judge how well they're doing against an opponent. In a tight race the temptation to smear or undermine is great...letting chips fall is risky.
One night of getting to know you, one night of policy and platform, and a third night of debate might serve the process better.
TEVO ensures the possibility for viewing for many...events could also be replayed at different times or on consecutive nights. This would be less expensive, make the candidates focus, and save us all the sheer boredom and stress of watching months of jabber and preening for the camers and talking heads.
Would it lead to the selection of unreliable, unfit candidates? No more than we just witnessed for 20 months and several hundres of millions of dollars.
Posted by: Tina | November 6, 2008 8:39 PM