Laughing in Manhattan

The two candidates were brought together by the Catholic Church on Friday.  Congregating in the Plaza Hotel, although they brought traffic in the city to a halt they also brought an overarching air of civility and decency to the campaign.  It was notable that this tradition did not take place in 2004 as a result of Kerry’s disagreements with the Catholic Church (and commentators suggested this might also be the reason for the absence of Rudolf Guliani). 

This was an example of what makes politics in this country civilized.  Despite differences of opinion, approach and outlook both of the candidates took a step back and accepted (innately by attending and overtly in their respective speeches) the common principles that united them as well as the belief in America of which they are both so proud.  It was also heartening to see the two candidates laugh at each other as well as themselves.  Voters got a good chance to see the human side of them both.  Clearly this is not an event that should happen everyday – conspiracy theorists as well as those on the margins of society would perceive a plot / cabal of politicians who are in collusion with one another.  But it was with great dignity that we are reminded that at the end of all of the divisions that politics creates, it is also about soldering together solutions through compromise and respect for the opinions of others.