Watching my son squirm in his chair doing everything he could to evade my questions, I thought for a split second, “Maybe this kid could be President of the United States one day.”

Truth be told, the scene of Gibson avoiding taking responsibility for his misdeeds reminded me of a comment at Tuesday night’s Republican Town Hall that has put into focus the problems I have as a parent with this year’s slate of candidates.

Those who watched the CNN broadcast or at least read news accounts of the event are now familiar with Donald Trump’s “he started it” response when queried about the Twitter exchange between Trump and candidate Ted Cruz about their wives.

Before moderator Anderson Cooper could get the words out of his mouth, I immediately thought of my son.

Cooper interrupted Trump saying the candidate’s response was something a five-year-old might say.

Obviously taken aback by Cooper’s point, Trump tried to move the conversation to another topic, but Cooper continued to press Trump on the issue.

Had I given Gibson the chance, he might have tried to use the same defense Wednesday night when I queried him about the incident he was involved in.

“He started it,” never sat well with my parents when I tried the excuse and is not tolerated in our family today.

So why should I tolerate such tactics by the candidates who seek my support? Why should immature remarks and actions be rewarded with my vote at the ballot box?

Donald Trump is not the only candidate in this year’s election to explore the politics of the lowest common denominator.

Ted Cruz has taken delight in trying to meet Trump toe to toe in some arguments. Former candidate Marco Rubio took a few swipes at Trump with belittling and condescending remarks.

At some point the GOP has decided the road to The White House runs through the elementary school playground.

Candidates have decided to throw any sense of decorum to swear in public, incite violence and do whatever is necessary to get the spotlight and gain media attention.

More importantly, a candidate standing by his word has become a thing of the past. So too has apologizing and taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Some local Trump supporters have said to me they are proud of the New York billionaire because he is the only one willing to tell the country the hard truth. Politicians have avoided the harsh reality of our country in order to be politically correct, they say.

Trump, they say, is willing to stand up against Mexico, China, Russia and other countries who have taken advantage of the country’s trade policies and immigration stance.

Maybe so, but does that give candidates the excuse to treat the election as a series of smackdowns in a kickboxing arena?

It used to be children learned about presidents by hearing the quaint stores of George Washington and the cherry tree and Abraham Lincoln living in a log cabin.

I would hate to think what stories they will hear if Trump becomes the next commander in chief.

More than likely it will begin with the phrase, “He started it.”

 

Ben Hillyer is the news editor for the Natchez Democrat. he can be reached at 601-445-3540 or by email at ben.hillyer@natchezdemocrat.com.