By Lloyd Reman:
In today’s political environment, can Republican and Democratic presidential nominees participate in a cordial, meaningful and informative debate, devoid of rhetoric, misdirection, lies and hyperbole? I suspect most people would say no. But was it ever a possibility? Had President Kennedy lived, we might have known.
President Kennedy most certainly would have been his party’s nominee in the 1964 race. He would have faced Senator Barry Goldwater, the Republican nominee. The two men differed on a great many issues, but they respected each other and had become friends since their days serving together in the US Senate. Knowing they’d likely face each other, they discussed the possibility of touring the country together, so they could engage in frank and lively debates. They’d clearly state their views and let the public decide which views were best.
According to Goldwater, “We would lift the presidential campaign above the petty, conniving scheming which had flawed every presidential race in my experience. We would present the American people with an opportunity to make a reasoned decision based on contending political philosophies rather than on personality.”
Imagine such debates, with no moderators or rules. Just two men having constructive and frank conversations.
Oh, what might have been. Dare we ask, what could be?