Gentlemen, Play Nice

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a political junkie. In grade school, almost overnight, I switched from reading The Cat in the Hat to submerging myself in the political biographies of Teddy Roosevelt and John Kennedy. In junior high school, when most of my peers played in the summer sun, I hunkered down in the family living room and watched virtually every single minute of congressional Watergate hearings. Heck, my decision to attend George Washington University’s law school had less to do with its national rankings and much more to do with the fact that it was located in Washington D.C., the nation’s political epicenter.

So, it should be of little surprise to read that I have organized this day around tonight’s upcoming presidential debate. Who cares that I need to arise at an absolutely ungodly early hour in order to catch a train on Thursday morning for my monthly appearance on WJLA’s Let’s Talk Live program! Tonight, at 9:00 p.m. (EST), my eyes will be glued to the TV.

Let’s hope President Obama and Governor Romney bring their best manners to the table. Previous candidates have not always done so.

Several elections and debates ago, Vice President Gore loudly sighed . . . and sighed . . . and sighed throughout the entirety of one 2000 presidential debate. He also invaded the personal space of then-Republican nominee Bush. Neither action served Gore well. Four years ago, at the very beginning of the vice presidential debate, Governor Palin took the stage, extended her hand to then-Senator Biden, and asked, “Hey, can I call you Joe?”  I suspect she intended to appear folksy, but I thought she came off sounding like an Olive Garden waitress . . . said with all due respect to Olive Garden wait staff.

Debate coaches often encourage candidates to do everything they can to downplay their opponent’s experience and knowledge, including ignoring the professional titles those candidates have earned. Nonsense! Let the facts speak for themselves. Governor Romney, please address your opponent as “Mr. President,” and President Obama, please address the Republican nominee as “Governor Romney.” Then, make your best argument as to why the American people should vote for either of you as President of these United States.  
 

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