One of my not-so-favorite things about my favorite month of the year is political ads. And I don’t watch much TV but it’s clear that of late they’ve been dominating the media scene. There’s a battle for city council, school board, a Congressional seat, and of course, President and Vice President of the United States. The ads from both sides shine the spotlight on the worst of their contenders. I wonder how much of the malicious talk is even true. Or how much of it was taken out of context. How many political candidates have been betrayed by formerly close friends?

I was reading an article this morning that said some political ads have a different tactic of highlighting a negative attribute of a candidate but with a comeback showing a positive trait that far outweighs the former. The objective: to win votes from those who identify with a different party. I engaged my mind briefly in a thought experiment – I encourage you to try it: what if I was / you were running for political office – chiefly, what if you or I was running for president of the United States? What would the ads say about me / us?

Things I’ve said:

“I hate kids.” The ad from my party, using the tactic above, would remark: ”At least she cares about their health.” And it would show me teaching young girls how to shoot hoops. Or in my pediatric rotation years back, graciously allowing a child to use my stethoscope.

“My job makes me not like people.” The response: “But she prescribes them drugs they need.” And it would show me writing prescriptions to the elderly and the overly anxious.

“Norfolk is so ghetto.” The rebuttal: “But she’s lived here her whole life.” And it would play video of me (truly) happily running down the main streets of my hometown.

Things I’ve done:

“She hasn’t attended a church service in months but she calls herself a Christian.”

“She speeds in school zones. (She did say she doesn’t like kids).” It would then show a snapshot of me going 27 in a 15, with the flashing School Zone sign just above my vehicle.

“She makes late patients reschedule their appointments, regardless of the reason.” An interview would then reveal a disgruntled patient who couldn’t be seen.

“She demanded pay from her boss, when her job is salary.” The’d show the email with my name on it.

The list could go on. I’m sure the grimiest of my opposers could dig up even more. Stuff I’ve forgotten or wasn’t even aware of.

Who doesn’t have baggage? Who doesn’t have regrets? In this election season, I’m happy to say I did look into the candidates a bit more than I usually do. I think a leader should unite people, not divide them. And what’s the point in putting people’s dirty laundry out for others to see? Putting people down to lift yourself up – isn’t that something we all frown upon? It’s sleazy. But how many of us do it? Hey – why don’t they mention that in the political ads? It’s a flaw, no?

I’m for focusing on strengths.  Aren’t humans/society better when everyone brings their best to the table? When we draw the best out of each other? And with unity, maybe our shortcomings can be overlooked, or at least somewhat minimized. We can have each other’s backs. The way my husband has mine when it comes to transportation logistics; the way I have his when it comes to spelling things. I don’t make him feel like a loser and he doesn’t patronize me for how my mind is wired. When we’re on the same page, I can correctly type in the GPS location; he gets us there via the fastest and safest route – on time. It’s a win-win.

There is one human race. Seek to be a person of your word. Obey the rules. Forgive yourself. Focus on the strengths in others. Sharpen one another.

I believe that whatever happens Tuesday, we’ll be alright. Our founding fathers were intelligent. Not one person in government has all the power. I’m staying positive. ~