The start of convention season also signifies the beginning of the final campaign stretch. Both Barack Obama and John McCain will now aggressively attempt to differentiate one from another. Each will now try to emphasize that he is a more qualified leader for this nation and will attempt to communicate what sort of "change" is right for America. This is a very normal characteristic of a competitive election and it is good for democratic countries to have such vigorous campaigns. Unfortunately, people often become too passionate about their candidates. An election that should be about the difference between the two choices morphs into an election filled with strife, arousing antagonistic sentiments between the parties. Rather than nurturing democracy, belligerent elections often tear it down, as both sides attempt to deny the legitimacy of the other.
Even though I call myself a Democrat, those who refuse to accept the legitimacy of the Bush administration always disturb me. While I have my own judgments on President Bush's policies, I give him the respect entitled to the office - an office that the voters have twice given him. My concern is that whoever becomes the next president will face an America in which nearly half of the voters refuse to acknowledge the results and label the winner as "un-American." The virtue of vigorous competition lies in the graciousness of both the victor and the loser. Supporters of both candidates must accept that their opponent has the right to win, just as their own candidate does. Each candidate must be given the respect the office deserves.
It is, of course, disheartening when significant numbers of fellow voters passionately disagree with one's preferred candidate. However, it is not realistic or even beneficial for anyone to hope for a "Miss America" style candidate that everyone supports. When a candidate takes a concrete position on an issue, he has to make priorities that may not be shared by others. It is also possible that a candidate might actually be wrong on a particular issue. To become a qualified leader, the candidate should be willing to stand up for his policy priorities, but also listen to the objections of those who oppose him. If he should change his mind this may not be a "flip-flop" but rather a show of his humility and open-mindedness.
One of my favorite sayings is that "radical liberalism has cars without breaks and radical conservatism has cars without gas." While a candidate's eloquent message for change is appealing, he too is a human capable of many missteps. To idolize him or any other candidates does disservice to them by denying them the chance to observe and correct their own flaws. As I hope Democrats' attacks will prompt McCain to better communicate his "maverick" character throughout his campaign, I also welcome constructive criticisms from the Republicans as intellectual challenges Obama must answer with sincerity and prudence. While both parties seek to prove their superiority to the voters in this election, each needs competition from the other to become a better political party.
As the campaign starts in full force, I look forward to active participation from both Obama and McCain supporters. At the same time, I also hope that honest competition will not be tarnished by mud-slinging and dirty politics. Elections always stir bitter emotions but the opposing parties have continued to coexist and share power throughout the U.S. history. Whoever wins this election; I hope the new president will be a man with both conviction and magnanimity, leading a nation with the tradition of political diversity and unity, the United States.
Jong Eun Lee is a senior in the School of Public Affairs and can be reached at edpage@theeagleonline.com.
