Contrasting Responses

Though certainly not exact, candidates' words and deeds during a presidential campaign may provide insight about their priorities.

During 2008 presidential campaign, John McCain showed himself to be a man who values respect, even to point of rebuking own supporters who engage in the use of inappropriate rhetoric against Barack Obama. Spokesperson from the Obama Campaign responded saying, "It is a sign that if there is a McCain-Obama general election, it can be intensely competitive but the candidates will attempt to keep it respectful and focused on issues." Later Barack Obama returned the favor by rebuking Wesley Clark for inappropriate rhetoric against John McCain.

Now, in 2012 we have another presidential campaign where there have been ardent supporters for the candidates engaging 'inappropriate rhetoric'. There is noticeable contrast in response between President Barack Obama and the presumptive Republican Party nominee, Mitt Romney as to how the candidates respond to own supporters' inappropriate words. Some pundits may say it's risky to rebuke own supporters. Many reasonable people in America believe it's common sense. The willingness to take reasonable risks reveals much about character.

Fulfilling presidential duties involves more than reviewing the Daily Presidential Briefing. Fulfilling presidential duties involves taking reasonable risks to ensure that the time honored promise of America, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" is upheld for everyone...in spite of disagreements and differences.

So it's pertinent to take note of the candidates' willingness to take reasonable risks for the common good.



Further Review

From 2008 --- McCain touts respect over rhetoric --- Excerpt: "There's a difference between rhetoric and record, but you can still be respectful," McCain said to one questioner. "I will point out his record and I will do it with respect."

From 2008 --- McCain rebukes and repudiates Bill Cunningham

From 2008 --- Barack Obama rebukes Wesley Clark

ThinkProgress --- Romney's Response to Rush Limbaugh vs. Hilary Rosen

Contrast in Response --- President Obama vs. Mitt Romney

Taking Note  ---  When Absolute Repudiation is Necessary

Related Blog:  Part 2 --- Reasonable Risks

Martin Luther King Jr. --- Rebukes Own Race

"But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone."