'Tis the Season to Let the Claws Out

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/24/perry-casts-romney-as-slick-at-florida-gop-breakfast/?hpt=po_bn1

In an article by CNN reporter Peter Hamby, its quite clear that the election season has begun, but these candidates are far from wishing one another good tidings, in fact I think it's safe to say they will all be on Santa's naughty list this year.

It may be early in the election process but opponents have already begun "dissing" each other. Take Texas Gov. Rick Perry for instance. Last Thursday's Republican presidential debate did not go as well for him as he surely would have hoped,so naturally, in an effort to puff out his shoulders, he took a jab or two at his toughest Republican opponent Mitt Romney calling him, "the slickest candidate" and further, suggesting he lacks authenticity by commenting that American's are looking for an "authentic, principled leader." He also couldn't help but save a jab for Mr. Obama saying, "You've seen what happens when our country chooses leaders who emphasize words over deeds."
Not very nice indeed, but in truth he is no more responsible for the flourishing of this type of behaviour than any of the other candidates now or in past elections. The documentary about Bill Clinton's campaign shows multiple scenes where both Clinton and Bush insult, hurt, and/or make fun of the others' campaign and how important these factors are in running for presidency. Without question, part of the logic here is that it's much easier to make someone else look bad than to make yourself look good to the same effect. But is the bickering between two or more candidates really what matters? Isn't it meant to be about the issues and truly listening to what the candidates have to offer so we can make educated decisions based on our own reactions? Hopefully that is still a substantial enough part of what campaigning is about, but as a country full of reality-tv loving individuals it can't be ignored that we are obsessed with drama and turning every real life situation into a piece of  juicy gossip we can get our lips on.

There is no doubt that the 2012 Election will produce some serious verbal battling, both warrented and unwarrented. It is natural and necessary for candidates to see how quick each is on their feet and to point out details that are often hiding somewhere beneath the surface. But lets just hope they keep it a little more classy this time around and avoid becoming Bravo's next Real Presidential Candidates of 2012.