Decency in politics should be the bedrock of a functioning democracy.

The revival of decency in politics is not just a lofty ideal; it is a necessary condition for the survival of democratic governance. Without decency, politics devolves into a zero-sum game, where the only goal is victory, regardless of the cost. But with decency, we can restore faith in our institutions, foster collaboration, and ultimately create a more just and equitable society.

And . . . as a bonus . . . decency makes democracy work!

The ability to treat opponents with respect, uphold the dignity of office, and engage in civil discourse not only elevates public debate but also fosters trust among citizens. In presidential races, where the stakes are highest, decency serves as a barometer for leadership, reflecting a candidate’s integrity and moral compass.

Throughout history, moments of decency have stood out, earning respect even from political adversaries.

However, as recent elections have demonstrated, the erosion of decency has given rise to toxicity and division, corroding the very core of democratic engagement.

Historical Examples of Decency in Presidential Races

Decency in politics can be seen throughout American history when candidates rose above personal attacks and engaged with their opponents respectfully, even in moments of intense rivalry. One shining example is the election of 1800, which, despite its bitterness, ended with Thomas Jefferson and John Adams maintaining a cordial relationship after the election. Jefferson famously said, “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists,” signaling a desire for unity after the divisive campaign.

A more recent example of decency in presidential politics occurred during the 2008 election between Barack Obama and John McCain. In one of the more memorable moments, McCain was confronted by a voter at a town hall event who falsely claimed that Obama was an Arab and a Muslim. McCain, rather than pandering to the falsehood for political gain, defended his opponent: “No, ma’am. He’s a decent family man and citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues.” This moment was a testament to McCain’s integrity and decency, and it has since become a model for how candidates should behave during high-stakes elections.

Another commendable example of decency came from George H.W. Bush in 1992. After losing the election to Bill Clinton, Bush left a gracious letter for the incoming president. “Your success now is our country’s success,” Bush wrote, a sentiment that transcended party lines and placed the nation’s well-being above personal disappointment.

The Decline of Decency in Modern Politics

While these examples demonstrate the positive impact of decency in politics, recent presidential campaigns have seen a sharp decline in civil discourse and an alarming rise in vitriol. The 2016 election, in particular, marked a low point in terms of political decency. Donald Trump’s rhetoric was often laced with personal insults and inflammatory remarks, both toward his political rivals and entire communities. During one debate, he referred to Hillary Clinton as a “nasty woman,” a phrase that quickly became emblematic of the campaign’s divisive tone.

This kind of rhetoric has broader implications beyond the campaign trail. As historian Jon Meacham noted, “Trump’s assaults on the norms of decency… undermined the ability of Americans to reason together as fellow citizens.” When decency erodes in presidential campaigns, it filters down into public discourse, widening divisions and weakening the sense of shared citizenship.

The 2020 election saw a continuation of this trend. False claims about election fraud, personal attacks, and vitriolic rhetoric poisoned the political atmosphere. Joe Biden, who ran a campaign centered on restoring “the soul of America,” repeatedly called for a return to decency, saying in one speech, “We need to revive the spirit of bipartisanship in this country.” While Biden’s calls for unity were commendable, the campaign’s overall tone reflected a nation deeply polarized, with decency often lost amid conspiracy theories and personal invectives.

When Decency Is Absent

The absence of decency in politics has real consequences. It not only degrades the quality of debate but also leads to a breakdown in trust between the public and elected officials. The increase in hyper-partisan media outlets, the rise of social media echo chambers, and the normalization of personal attacks have all contributed to an environment where character assassination and misinformation are seen as acceptable tools for political gain.

For example, in the 2004 election, the “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth” ran attack ads questioning John Kerry’s military service in Vietnam. These ads, which were later widely discredited, had a lasting impact on the election. Such tactics exemplify how the absence of decency can distort the truth, manipulate voters, and ultimately degrade democratic norms.

Even in moments of crisis, the absence of decency has dangerous consequences. After the 2020 election, Trump’s refusal to concede and continued insistence on false claims of voter fraud culminated in the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. This tragic event underscored the vital importance of decency, particularly in how leaders communicate with the public and respect the democratic process.

The Need for Decency in Future Elections

Moving forward, the restoration of decency in politics should be a priority for all candidates. Political leaders must recognize that how they conduct themselves during campaigns sets the tone for their leadership and shapes public discourse. As former President Barack Obama once stated, “We can disagree without being disagreeable.” Decency is not about avoiding tough conversations or sugarcoating policy differences—it’s about engaging in those debates with respect, honesty, and integrity.

At the heart of this is the recognition that political opponents are not enemies. They are fellow citizens with differing views, and it is through this diversity of thought that democracy thrives. When decency is present, political campaigns can inspire, unite, and build a sense of collective purpose. When it is absent, they divide, degrade, and destroy the very fabric of democracy.

Key Takeaways

1. Decency in politics is essential for fostering trust, respect, and unity in a democracy . . decency makes democracy work!
2. Historical examples, such as Jefferson and Adams’ reconciliation and McCain’s defense of Obama, show the value of decency in presidential campaigns.
3. The decline of decency in modern campaigns, exemplified by personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric, erodes public trust and deepens divisions.
4. Personal attacks, as seen in the 2016 campaign, set a dangerous precedent that can lead to broader societal polarization.
5. The absence of decency has led to the spread of misinformation, character assassination, and even violence, as witnessed on January 6, 2021.
6. Restoring decency requires candidates to prioritize respect, integrity, and honest engagement, even in moments of intense political rivalry.
7. Political opponents should be treated with respect as fellow citizens, not as enemies.
8. Decency doesn’t avoid tough debates but ensures they are conducted with fairness and integrity.
9. The role of decency extends beyond elections and impacts the tone of governance and national unity.
10. Without a return to decency, political campaigns risk further degrading the democratic process.

Conclusion

Decency in politics is not a luxury; it is a necessity for preserving the health of democracy. Presidential campaigns, with their intense scrutiny and high stakes, should be conducted with respect, honesty, and integrity. While history offers examples of decency that can inspire, the decline in recent years has had corrosive effects on public trust, political discourse, and the fabric of society. The restoration of decency in future elections is critical to ensuring that democracy not only survives but thrives. Political leaders must lead by example, recognizing that their words and actions set the tone for the nation.