A Mother's take on the Presidential Debate

Like millions of others, I watched the Presidential Debate last  night. And like many others, I was not impressed. By either side. Sure the person I plan to vote for made valid points, but that is not what this post is about.

The thing I am most unimpressed with was the behavior of both men.  I remember watching debates while growing up, and while some got argumentative, they always followed "the rules." It is clearly stated that each side has two minutes to respond to the question. I remember "the bell" which some years was a tone, that marked the end of each participant's time. There was even a warning (15-seconds? I can't remember exactly) before their time was up. But the point is, when their time was up, they STOPPED TALKING! They may have rushed to squeeze in the last few words to finish their thought, but there was a definite end to one person's thoughts, before the next one started.

What I witnessed last night (and last week's Vice Presidential Debate as well) was nothing short of two men bullying each other.

Parents and teachers go to great lengths to teach their children not to interrupt, and not to be rude when others are talking. The past two debates have undone years of teaching, with children watching the way wealthy, high-powered men were behaving in what should have been a formal setting.

Speech and Debate teachers are probably up in arms after witnessing what the leaders of our country, and those who hope to be leaders of our country, are calling a debate.

I have judged high school debate tournaments for several years, and I can say, without a doubt, that high school students from schools all over Texas are 1000 times more professional than the two men hoping to win the election for our country's highest office. In addition, if any of the participants acted like the four men did in the past two debates, I would have disqualified them.

I know that high school and college students across the country were watching, some for "extra credit," and some to learn debate style. Is this "the new" style of debate in the US?

I hope not. Hopefully the debates/arguing sessions we've witnessed over the past two weeks are merely an anomaly, and when we do this again in four more years, the participants then will have more decorum.

In the meantime, we all have some explaining to do to our children.

Sometimes, even wealthy people with power need to be taught the right way to behave. Just because you respect somebody, don't act like them unless their behavior is the way you want others to see you.

And most importantly, whether you're in private or performing in a public forum, act like you're trying to impress your mother, and you'll never be disappointed in yourself.