Debating Character

I hesitated writing on this subject but it's been weighing on me for sometime now.

I have found the presidential debates quite interesting in recent weeks. Sure, I have my political biases, but leaving that aside for the moment I would like to take notice at what's addressed and what isn't.

I find it ironic that each of these candidates espouses a plan for change and what they intend to do once elected. It doesn't take a brilliant person to determine that each of these men did not actually sit down and write their own plan... but rather a team of people wrote these plans for them. Of course, the plans do reflect policy positions of each respective person, but let's be honest. The greatest driver in content for these plans is political and for the purpose of persuasion.

Now, are these plans well written and potentially worthwhile for this nation? Sure, they very well may be. But let's address the next issue. How many presidents actually get to implement their plan? Is that the role of the US President by terms of our Constitution? It's not.

So then, why are we debating a plan that has little relevancy to who these men truly are?

We've completely missed what's most important. Character. Character is what draws us to people to follow them in the long run. Character is what determines how we will act in response to things that aren't "planned". Character is what sets us apart from others and positions us to lead others well. And character is the foundation for any person to truly follow another.

But we don't discuss character. How come? It seems as though the American people don't care that much about it? Or do they? What if we could have a debate on character? What if we could see who these men are for their character and understand how they will respond to situations?

I'll leave with this thought. Think on times in your life where you've been most willing to follow someone. The times when you've found it easy to follow someone. What stood out? Was it their charisma or their character? Which of those traits most concerns you for someone you would trust and consider a friend?

Why don't we try debating character next time?