By Scott Reeder –
SPRINGFIELD – On Monday nights, my family cleans the house.
Usually we listen to whatever cartoons our kids are watching as we sweep and mop. But Monday was different. It was debate night.
That means on the night we swept up dirt, we could watch Donald and Hillary sling it.
I’m generous when I use the term “debate” because instead of a rational discourse on public policy, it was more like someone threw two rabid cats in a burlap sack and let them claw it out.
I’ve spent three decades covering politics. The process and personalities fascinate me. I’m riveted by the minutia of campaigns and the post-election posturing of those chosen to serve.
But to be honest, year after year, decade after decade, I’ve become more cynical about the process.
And after Monday night’s debate, I find myself beyond cynical.
I found myself listening to a woman who I disagree with and a man who disgusts me.
I’m not alone in my frustration.
The morning of debate day, I sat at the counter of a Springfield café eating breakfast and listened to two men who were sitting next me quarrel about the election.
I knew things were getting bad when I overheard one of the fellas say “I’d sure rather look at Trump’s wife – she’s good-looking — than at Hillary in those pantsuits.”
Is this how we are really going to choose the leader of the Free World?
This is an important election. But let’s keep things in perspective.
Neither candidate is likely to make us happier.
That’s not in their bailiwicks.
When this election is over, we’ll still mow our own lawns, help our kids with their homework, save for retirement, go to work, cook our own meals and shop for whatever is on sale at the supermarket.
And Trump and Clinton will be living their fancy lives in gated mansions and private jets.
And while none of is married to a former president or a past supermodel, we have folks who love us despite our quirks.
Whoever sits in the Oval Office doesn’t get to decide whether we are happy or sad. That’s up to each of us.
In November, please vote. But don’t expect it will change your life.
If you want change, don’t look in the ballot box. Look in the mirror.
Scott Reeder is a veteran statehouse journalist. He works as a freelance reporter in the Springfield area and can be reached at [email protected].
