Six Basic rules for Candidate Fan Clubs.

[Valin]

Race 4 2012:

A.J. Nolte
3/18/11

As a Christian, and a vocal and theologically-minded Christian at that, I’ve gotten into a fair number of (generally quite civil) conversations with atheists and agnostics. One of the most common comments I’ve gotten about God from agnostics is “I’ve got no problem with God, I just don’t like his fan club”. is anyone else starting to feel that way about…all the major candidates, or is it just me?

Look, I understand the passions of the presidential season make political junkies hot under the collar. I get the fact that you think your guy or gal is the only true and proper conservative who can save us all from Obama. But, seriously, trashing everyone else in the field and mindlessly spewing your guy’s talking points isn’t swaying anyone at this point. And there are some attacks that really ought to be beyond the pale. Since some of the “fan club” members seem incapable of grasping the basic tenets of civility, let me lay out a few areas that should be obvious no-go zones.

(Snip)

6. Keep your eye on the ball. Remember, the point is to beat Barack Obama in 2012. That’s the first priority of all the candidates you represent. None of the candidates considering running–not one–would be more harmful than a second term of Barack Obama. (Even a Ron Paul presidency could probably be managed, though it would be exceedingly difficult). All of them are a lot better conservatives than Barack Obama is. Competition, the healthy inter-change of ideas and a vigorous discourse over which candidate is the best standard-bearer is all good. I personally have no problem calling someone’s ideas stupid, if you must, and if you’re willing to back it up with logical arguments. But can we tone down the circular firing squad a bit?

Now, bets on how long it takes someone to make “Only supporters of that other candidate do this; my candidate’s supporters are perfect” comments?


Comments Here

[Rheo]

Good reminders.