To be honest I did not watch the presidential debate yesterday evening as my wife and I were traveling at that time, but we did listen to it on radio. I don’t think the optics would have improved my impression of what seemed more to be a scene from Jerry Springer’s show than a presidential debate between the sitting president and his best rival and threat to up seat him.
There were no winners, only losers:
The voters who were robbed of the opportunity to hear the candidates articulate their opposing views on the dire issues facing this country.
The up and coming voters with hopes of one day participating in our democracy. Bludgeoned with the pathetic assault of these two candidates throwing haymakers and trying to one up the other in insults, name calling, loud speaking and hitting below the belt.
And finally, democracy, was perhaps the biggest loser. Heralded as the best form of government, where the people get a legitimate voice in politics.
But, as we saw, if there is an overarching appeal to pander to ones constituency, then issues are not debated; toxic differences are inflamed; and a stage is set, regardless of which side wins, for the battle to be continued in revolt.
In the ninth chapter of Genesis, God ordains government, in any form, to suppress evil and to give the people a sense in which justice is available and will prevail.
How can government leaders suppress evil, when they can’t suppress their own tongues?
Finally, the answer does not lie with these candidates. Nor does the answer lie with any other candidate, man or woman. The answer lies with the Son of God to ultimately suppress evil and to usher in a day of justice:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7
