I would love to see a different type of campaign between the two political parties in 2024. I know it will not happen in 2020. I am also aware that many people will assume what I am proposing will never happen, and will list all the reasons why they feel that way. I am not naive to the reality of the political environment we find ourselves in today. I grew up in a very political family so I am very familiar with the winding road that has led us here. I would simply caution the naysayers to remember that all great achievements were once considered impossible.
I would love to see the two opposing candidates spend 14 days on the road together, traveling around the country speaking to the American people without being hosted by CNN, FOX, or any other news channel. Two microphones and 2 candidates, standing on a stage addressing individual topics, one at a time, that are crucial to the American people.
They would have sufficient time to articulate their views and how they would address each issue. Then they would allow the other time to ask questions on each topic in order to challenge a position or look for clarity. No gotcha politics. Just sincerely letting people hear their personal points of view.
This 14-day tour would be spent traveling together with their spouses. Each couple getting to know the other. Beyond the lights of the stage, away from the crowds, talking about their beliefs and hopes for America. Understanding where they came from and how their opinions were shaped. I believe, while they may never agree on the issues, they would have a deeper understanding of their opponents point of view. The discourse on stage would reflect the deeper understanding they have garnered from each other, about the other.
If our candidates would spend more time telling the American people why they were right for the job versus why the other should be vilified, the discourse in America would be so much healthier. Our society would be better for it. If we focused on why someone should be elected versus why someone should be hated, we would dramatically change the tone and enhance the stature of our elected officials. Our entire culture would benefit from that new example being set by those asking to lead us.
Do I believe this is possible? Yes. However, it all depends upon the candidates that run. In fact, had John F. Kennedy not been assassinated, he and Senator Barry Goldwater had talked about doing something very similar in the 1964 race for the White House, similar to the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. It is easy to dismiss this idea as idealistic and unattainable. Let me remind you, America itself was founded on very idealistic principles. In fact, our nation overcame very improbable circumstances to become the most prosperous nation on earth.
We are at a crossroads in this country. We can go down the path of tribal politics and strive to “win at any cost” or we can adjust our sails as a nation and embrace the idealism that truly sets us apart from the rest of the world. I believe we are a nation that has survived 240 years of world conflict by the grace of God. I believe we have a duty to our founders as well as to our children’s children to set the example of what it means to be an American.
Don’t misunderstand me. I want to win as bad as anyone. But I do not want America to lose in the process. If you have to cheat to win, it’s not called winning. It has a name; cheating. I believe America is better than that. If we lose this piece of our soul, we will lose this blessed nation.
I appreciate each one of you. I appreciate your sincere patriotism. I value your words that both agree and disagree. Thank God we live in a nation that affords us the opportunity to do so. While we all enjoy the rights of being a free people we must never forget that each one of those rights are wrapped in responsibilities.
I believe we are living our defining moments. Do not let them be defined by the extremes of our parties. Let them be a reflection of the voice of true patriots on either side of the political aisle working to make this nation better for our children than it was for us. God bless you all.
Always Lead, Bo Short
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