Debate 101: Grown-Ups Only.

This year’s presidential election started way too early. Oh sure, at first I was really interested in the fancy charts during the primaries that showed varying shades of blue and red by party candidate, but my interest waned as the primaries went on… and on… and on. As we speed towards the actual election however, I find it necessary to check back into the candidates.

I am encouraged that so many people seem invested in the upcoming election and hopeful that this will carry through to actual voter turnout. I am increasingly disappointed , however, in the behavior of my friends and family as it relates to discussing the candidates and their personal political viewpoints.

The information being tossed around on email, Facebook and countless kitchens, hallways and elevators is inappropriate, often times inaccurate, and downright childish. More than that, though, its trivializing what is shaping up to be the most pivotal election of our generation.

Do yourself a favor and act like a grown-up. I guarantee you that knocking McCain for his email typing limitations (caused by injuries sustained as a POW) or incorrectly slamming Obama for swearing into office on the Koran (he swore in on his own bible) isn’t going to sway anyone over to your side of the fence. Its not going to do anything for people’s opinion of you, either.

Politics shouldn’t polarize people; differing opinions are the basis for the debates that should lead to the best solutions for all parties involved. Here’s how to do it right, no matter what you’re discussing.

Respect the opinions of others. This one is so basic it almost hurts me to have to include it. Just as you are entitled to your beliefs, everyone else is entitled to theirs. That’s not to say that your opinion of someone won’t change if you have different beliefs then them, and that opinion may affect your relationship, but under no circumstances is it appropriate to degrade the person, or their opinion. You can disagree without insult.

Check the facts. Twenty-four hour media and the internet have provided unlimited access to information, but information alone shouldn’t be a replacement for using your brain, or better yet, using judgment. Take a few minutes to cite your source before blasting everyone in your address book.

Fact Check on McCain Typing
Fact Check on Obama Swearing In

Debate the real issues, not the ones that provide good fodder for water cooler jokes. Talk about the election issues that will determine how we interact with the global economy, whether you’ll have healthcare when you retire and what kind of world it will be for your children and children’s children.

Know your limits. If discussing issues with a supporter of the party opposite yours brings your blood pressure up and results in you screaming profanities, you should probably keep political discussions (and a whole lot of other topics) within your closest group of friends. If you can’t debate logically, respectfully and in a civil tone, then you shouldn’t do it. I know people who can’t talk about Notre Dame football without getting into a screaming match, myself included, so there’s no reason to feel bad about excusing yourself from any heated discussion.

Don’t forget to vote! Its your responsibility, it’s the only way to enact change in our current political structure, and if you don’t, you’ll have nothing to complain about with the new administration.