2008 Election and Hulk Hogan

I did not vote in the last Presidential Election because I did not feel either candidate was good for our country. Really that is not a good reason not to vote. I was just disgruntled with our political process. There were only a few candidates from either party that spoke and actually made any sense to me. As the election process dredged on, I witness more and more expensive parlor tricks and not any real substance. The last two candidates from the major parties were not people I felt had the ethics and knowledge to lead the country back to financial and moral stability. The drama reminded me more of a high school election than a Presidential Election. There was name-calling, lying, cheating, religious discrimination, racial under tones and even age discrimination to name a few of the dirty tactics. More of the national stage time was taken up by these “Jerry Springer – like” side show antics then by the real issues. When the issues were addressed still these high school musical song and dances would commence. Maybe this was amusing or fun for some, I however was not entertained. The reality of what the office of the President of the United States stands for and the amount of responsibility that accompanies the job is above the childish action of some of the candidates and their affiliates.

To illustrate my point Mike Huckabee, the current host of Fox News Channel’s Huckabee talk show, began to bring up Mormon doctrine while debating Mitt Romney. The doctrine in question is not the issue, but the fact that Mr. Huckabee did not agree with it was his point. He was grand standing to rally other people that do not believe as Mr. Romney. Mr. Huckabee could have very well just said hey let’s all make fun of the Mormon. As I watched this blatant ad hominem illogical fallacy, I was very disappointed in this action. Why would a man who claims to be a follower of Christ act in such a manner? This man was running to be the President of the United States of America and he failed to handle himself in a respectful manner during a debate. If Mr. Huckabee was to be elected we could only expect the same type of behavior with foreign dignitaries of different religious backgrounds. Maybe he would quote a line penned by Chuck D of the rap group Public Enemy,” Crucifixion ain’t no fiction” while dinning with the Israeli Prime Minister, maybe just to open a dialog.

The unprecedented celebrity endorsement push for all of the candidates was quite a spectacle and distraction from the real issues. Marla Maples, Donald Trump’s ex wife, endorsed Hillary Clinton. Jenna Jameson, Jerry Springer, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Ron Howard, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, Fran Drescher, John Grisham and Magic Johnson, Sally Field, Bradley Whitford and Christine Lahti. Gene Wilder, Oprah Winfrey, Robert DeNiro, Kerry Washington, Usher, Chris Rock, Brendan Routh, Kate Walsh, Kal Penn, Tate Donovan, Forest Whitaker, Enrique Marciano, Ed Norton, Scarlett Johansson and Alfre Woodard. I am aware that actors and sports heroes have backed candidates in the past. This was just too over the top. As this parade of stars smiled and waved to the crowd and the crowd just forgot about the challenges we face as a nation.

This last election was too much of a show and not enough substance for my taste. From behavior unworthy of men who influence so many to voting with the stars, the 2008 Presidential Election was quite a menagerie. Our President is supposed to be a person of high moral fiber and integrity. Presidential hopefuls dangled star power in front of the masses looking to make the election a popularity contest. Still, I should have voted for Hulk Hogan, he is my favorite write in candidate.