As we move into a new, more serious phase of our presidential campaigns, it's good to remember that no matter how strongly we feel about supporting our candidate and opposing the other one, at the end of it all we will have to be able to live together harmoniously and respectfully, demonstrating to the watching world that we can do it.
In order to promote our own beliefs without alienating our opponents, and set all of us up for post-election success, several opportunities come to mind which, I'll admit, entail some mental acrobatics which will, hopefully, bring some of the bottom feeders up to a higher level while positioning us all for a more cooperative, productive post-election period.
It's important to present our candidate and position strongly and effectively. The first opportunity is to to present our side meaningfully so that, in the polling station, voters will think positively of our candidate. Here's how:
• Present positive points about whichever side we support, a little at a time, rather than trying to tear down the opponent and bombard our audience with more information than they can remember.
This will take discipline and thought, because we're so used to taking the easy road of tearing down the opposition; it will also help us to evaluate where we stand, and the reasons for it. Example: We know that Republicans believe Pres. Obama and Hillary Clinton (HRC) have done terrible jobs, but we don't know what the Republicans and/or Donald Trump (DT) specifically, not vaguely, offer us.
• Be honest about your party/candidate's shortcomings, and tell how you balance it with your allegiance. Example: on CNN's Smerconish program (July 16), Rachel Hoff (openly gay GOP platform planning member) smilingly said that she knows the Republican platform doesn't support gay rights, but she reconciles that with their... (you'll have to look it up).
The same goes for Democrats; they need to provide a higher percentage of information on what HRC and the Democratic party stand for, and how she will lead them to achieve those goals, than on what they dislike about DT and the GOP.
• Avoid name calling, ("Crooked Hillary", "Pocahantas") irrelevant references to the past ('she stood by her husband during his scandal'), cartoons and memes, adjectives and vague accusations ("she's a woman hater"). They're weak references.
• Stick to truth and facts; back them up with credible links, and think critically -- verify accusations by finding and presenting links to support or negate them;
• Don't attribute intentions -- we have no idea, really, why anyone did or said anything. All we can say is they said it, and to show their history of similar or disparate behavior to support our supposition.
• If you support the either party but not necessarily its candidate, say so frankly so that people can relate to, respect and support your position. Example: Tell why you support xyz (women's rights, etc.), for example, and show how the GOP platform fits in with that. Try to be as specific as possible -- "responsible spending" isn't enough; what do you mean by that?
• Keep your language clean; remember, children are watching, too, and keep the passion inside; just present yourself as strong, accurate and respectful.
If we adapt our approach positively and raise the bar, we will gain the respect of those who oppose our beliefs, as we enjoy greater self-respect. We will be able to show the world that we really can run honorable Presidential campaigns and live together effectively, afterward.