The Sad State of Presidential Campaigns in America

I must write in response to the recent presidential campaign ads for Senator John McCain.

In recent ads, the Mc Cain campaign has portrayed Senator Barack Obama as a rock star elitist who is responsible for high gas prices and is the equivalent of a fly-by-night pop celebrity. Par for the campaign course you say? I would argue no.

There is something about the McCain ads that are different. Never before do I recall such a blatant mockery of the political process by way of the assumption that the American people are dim enough to base their choice for president on celebrity comparisons. I am amazed that it has gotten to the point that the only way to get our attention is to use images of Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears. Does he really expect people to believe that Barack Obama is in the same category of these women just because he generates enthusiasm at his popular rallies? The fact that he is to be criticized because he has earned the confidence of millions of Americans and Europeans is absolutely sickening. Even worse, there are people out there who are convinced by this nauseating spectacle and suddenly believe that the zeal of millions for their country is something to be feared and avoided.

So far, the Obama campaign has thankfully stayed on the path of presenting his views on issues and not resorting to such ridiculous imagery.

Are American voters really that uneducated and simplistic? I shudder at the thought and want to believe with all my heart that they are not. This election is one that will be a turning point in this nation’s history. Not because an African American is running, nor because a large percent of young and minority voters will turn out, but because it can prove that Americans are not skittish, irrational, uninterested, self absorbed pop-culture addicts. It can prove that we are still a nation of civically engaged, intelligent, self aware folks who appreciate what we have been entrusted with. I will be watching, waiting and hoping for proof that we are not what John McCain thinks we are.