Not that long ago, even before the presidential nominee was switched absent the stereotypical primary selection process, the secret to winning became clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When there\u2019s a contest between two competitors who each have high, negative favorability ratings, the goal is to make the match as much about the other person as possible. Whoever the contest becomes most about, loses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s be honest \u2014 and know that I’m not attempting to be rude or disrespectful; it is an objective reading of the plethora of polling data: both current VP Harris and former Pres. Trump have high, negative favorability ratings. Recent polling by ABC, NBC<\/em> and many more affirm that fact. Neither candidate is well liked by a majority of this country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To be clear, \u201cwell liked\u201d does not mean voting either for or against. It does mean, no less, that voters have to find something other than popularity to base their vote upon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am sincerely sensitive, no less, to that being a hard understanding for some. It’s ok. Know that I simply desire to wrestle wisely with the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s thus been an interesting dynamic to watch. I also think it\u2019s one of the reasons American elections have lost much of their integrity. Just look at the candidates and how they are advised to run… which is not first and foremost on their own credentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The candidates aren\u2019t campaigning and saying, \u201cHey, I want you to have an accurate idea of who I am, what I think, and how I’ll govern. I\u2019ll be honest; as you get to know me, there will be some things we will disagree on. And when we disagree, we\u2019ll keep listening; we\u2019ll work together to solve. I will not lie to you. I will not act as if I know it all. Clearly, I don\u2019t. Each of us has so much more to learn. It\u2019s time we admit that.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In its place we get, \u201cYou and I are so much alike! But my opponent… I am so not like him\/her! He\/she is awful. Evil! They want to take all your rights away. They are terrible! Not only are they evil, they are also stupid! I am so glad I\u2019m not like them!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [I keep thinking of the ancient Pharisees who sat in the corner thanking God for who they were not… oh, my… we have so much to learn…]<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words candidates oft talk less specifics about self, because the more specifics we know, with a high, negative favorability rating, the less we like them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Such seems the collective story of candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So who is this election most about? My observations suggest that prior to the candidate switch, it seemed most about Pres. Biden. After the conventions, it became more about Trump. And after more public interviews, it\u2019s become more about Harris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who knows who will win. This race is reportedly close, which hopefully will keep all humble (respectful, too, please). Note, also, this is advocacy for no one. I simply think it’s a sad reflection of current culture that both candidates are so unpopular and not admired by a clear and present majority. It bothers me to admit that to our younger generations; we are choosing between the unpopular. Years past have given us better choices of whom to vote for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I met a young lady and her family last weekend, with the gal celebrating a less monumental birthday. We started a conversation of the birthdays that are seemingly most monumental\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u202618 \u2026 21\u2026 25\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat comes with each one?\u201d we asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quickly we acknowledged that 18 comes with the right to vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d I soon added. \u201cI just feel like my generation and others should apologize to you for not having a better selection of presidential candidates to vote for. I was very proud of casting my first national vote. My dismay is that you don\u2019t have the same choice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The young gal immediately affirmed that thought, bothered, and still unsure of what she\u2019ll do in a few weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her mother then chimed in, \u201cJust don\u2019t vote for _________! ____ is a mess and doesn\u2019t know what they\u2019re talking about!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Alas, here we go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Be kind to each other, friends. It just isn\u2019t always so clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Not that long ago, even before the presidential nominee was switched absent the stereotypical primary selection process, the secret to winning became clear. When there\u2019s a contest between two competitors who each have high, negative favorability ratings, the goal is to make the match as much about the other person as possible. Whoever the contest … <\/p>\n