Joe the Plumber

“Without vision the people perish.” (Prov 29:18)

Lines are blurred when the Presidential candidate you originally thought stood for integrity turns out to be slightly less than presidential in his delivery and demeanor.  It’s difficult to see it while we’re in the middle of a dense forest of nationally debated issues from energy, to the economy, to abortion.  But in our pluralistic society we have a tendancy to base moral judgements on how they affect us personally more than how they affect the majority.  For example, presidential and vice-presidential candidates are continually using hypothetical people like “Joe Sixpack” and “Joe the Plumber” to sympathize with the plight of the middle class.  And there’s a place for that.  But I don’t want a president whose main concern is asking me to focus on my needs when I cast my vote.  I want a president who will set a trajectory for the future of our nation, refuse to play mind games with the opposing candidate, deliver his message in a clear, compelling way, all with the integrity and humility that such a position requires.  Often, both parties’ campaigns have been bent on meeting the needs of the individual rather than the needs and priorities of the nation.  

In tonight’s third Presidential debate I saw a candidate present himself as presidential.  Rather than picking apart his opponents statements, he set before every listening American a vision.  There may be parts that any number of us disagree with.  That’s fine.  Democracy welcomes healthy conflict.  But nonetheless it is a vision with clearly drawn objectives and strategies to give our nation a fresh start.  

I’m surprised to hear myself say this, but I probably won’t vote on ideology.  I’ll vote based on character and leadership ability.

On a lighter note, I’ve enjoyed SNL’s sketches of the debates.  This third one will be hard to mock in light of the quality of the presentation and the status of the market, but SNL will find a way, God bless ‘em.