The Character of Debate

In this nation of more than three hundred million citizens, representing a wide range of income, skills and beliefs, it's natural that people's needs will vary over a wide range of political issues. Each candidate has strong opinions and makes statements designed for him to stand out, and attract voters.
Since the outcome of the election will affect most of us for good or ill, debate is appropriate. Deliberate misinformation, insults, and anger are not.
Such attitudes distract people from the real issues and practical solutions. The ranting in the formal debates often amounts to little more than a spitting contest. In addition, they incite fear, hate, and encourage attitudes that harm other citizens.
I recall the time when my Dad was president of the National Council of Churches from 1957 to 1960, when a TV evangelist, Billy James Hargis, accused the Council of being a communist front, and that some ministers were “card-carrying communists”. Hargis challenged Dad to public debate. The evangelist made several additional unproven claims that news media and universities were also involved. Congress argued the matter for three days (April 19th ,1960). Public opinion finally sided overwhelmingly in favor of the Council of Churches.
That wasn't enough for Dad. He had one commanding principle in debates: “The main object in conflict is not to win the victory and eliminate the enemy, but to win the enemy and eliminate the enmity.” When Hargis came to St.Louis, Dad phoned him and and invited him to lunch. The two of them talked for four hours that afternoon and ended with a brief prayer. Afterward, Hargis said, “I promise you now, I will never again say a harsh word about you!” And he never did.
In an interview I had with the aging evangelist in 1997, he remembered the incident well, and told me, “Your Dad was one of the best friends I ever had. [We] would discuss, not argue.”
That approach appears to be mostly lacking in the present presidential campaign, as accusations fly and tempers fray. Such attitude is a disservice to America's voters. The contest still has months to go. Let's hear how to solve the real issues.