In 1960, as young baby boomers, we had the opportunity to watch the first televised presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon.
The experience was a terrific civics lesson for us, watching two candidates with different views and priorities debate with each other, yet always respectfully. Their exchanges didn’t deteriorate into name calling, interruptions or a total disregard of civility.
Fast forward 56 years to a recent debate and the exchanges between the candidates. Donald Trump and most of the remaining candidates called each other liars, incessantly interrupted each other and turned a presidential forum into a food fight.
Growing up, if we played athletics, we would have been benched, and as students, we would have received a detention for the behavior they exhibited. Yet, the Republican candidates, except for John Kasich, are setting an example, which includes a total refusal to treat their opponents with any civility or respect.
Part of the audience they seek to influence consists of the younger generation we were in 1960, when we watched Kennedy and Nixon in the first debate. As a reminder to these candidates, perhaps the introductory theme for the debate should include a segment from the song by Crosby, Stills and Nash.
“Teach Your Children Well.”
Steve Kramer
Medfield