By Andrew Boyd
We may be a divided electorate, but we’re all living in the aftermath of Tuesday night’s “debate,” which, if I’d stayed for the credits, would likely have listed Jerry Bruckheimer as director. All sound and fury, with little in the way character development or narrative depth. That was Tuesday night, and I imagine we all are hoping for a much-improved sequel.
Right now, however, we’re all left to pick through the wreckage to see if there’s anything we might salvage that helps inform our decisions come November.
In Biden, I saw an ill-tempered fellow, with no meaningfully greater sense of civility or decorum than the other grumpy old man on the rostrum. More troubling is the sense that Joe seems anchored to nothing at all in terms of policy ideas. He loves America but insists it’s racist to its core. The Green New Deal is terrific, it’ll pay for itself, but he’s not for it. Fracking must end, except where it supports jobs and potential votes. And the list goes on. Some may be left wondering who and what it is they are actually voting for if they pull the lever for the Scranton kid. I know I would.
As for Trump, I guess we conservatives get what we deserve. Intemperate to the core, with an ego the size of purple Texas (though I’m not sure I believe the polls on that one), he’s never been easy on the ears or the soul, and that may be his ultimate undoing. The American people are on their last nerve, and I think Tuesday may have been close to a deal breaker. It’s not over yet, and perhaps he can recover, but my hopes are fading. If there’s a sequel to this raw and rancorous Tuesday night fight, I pray that the orange man can get in touch with the better angels of his nature, assuming they can still fog a mirror.
Onward into the uncertain future with best wishes for the health and welfare of all well-meaning people, everywhere, irrespective of political bent. And may God bless, America.
Boyd is a public relations and communications professional with 30 years-experience. He lives with his wife and three daughters in Charlotte, N.C.