Head to Head

I think it is so frustrating when political candidates, whether running for president, mayor, the legislature, or fire chief, spend a tremendous amount of time pointing out the flaws and shortcomings of the opposition.  I appreciate some details in the candidates plan to solve a particular problem, enhance an aspect of life, or build relations with a segment of the population or their own work force, or improve public education, particularly for gifted children (I'm still waiting for ANY candidate, anywhere, to mention these children!) 

Spending time listing the terrible traits of the opposition assumes several things.  First, it implies that potential voters are not smart enough to weigh the facts, make comparisons, or read for themselves.  There seems to be an assumption that if we are told about the flaws that will immediately rule out the "other" choice, the listener will move to the speaker's side of the voting booth.

Secondly, it presumes that each listener has nothing else to do but listen to negative rhetoric.  In actuality, by spending a lot of time listing the opposition's faults, the speaker is taking time away for highlighting their own strengths and targeted plans for their term in the elected office.  The majority of people will devote a limited amount of time to campaigning speeches, articles and news blasts, so making your strengths known seems more prudent than making anyone else's flaws the feature.

Third, the constant belittling in the media has a negative effect on the mood of the community.  In a state election, the negativity is more regionally confined.  In a national election, the hostility is like a deadly, silent disease that skulks through the population provoking tempers and hostile interactions.  The increased tension, frustration, and hostility seems to have this horrible, wave after wave of impact like a giant tsunami.  Just comparing the emotional impact of Michelle Obama's speech to the conventioneers vs the impact of Hilary Clinton's speech or Donald Trump's speech.  Uplifting the listener also lifts up the speaker. It seems like our two presidential candidates would know this, doesn't it?