As election years go, this one is very special. As a political junkie, I’ve closely observed all the election cycles of my adult life.
I don’t remember ever feeling the sense of excitement that this one has produced.
Not just in us political junkies but in the nation at large.
The feeling that there’s an awful lot on the line has energized the democratic process in a way that I think is historical and healthy.
I hear some people complaining about how long and drawn out it has been.
Truth be told, it has been long and drawn out. But I don’t see that as a bad thing. I think of it as the longest job interview ever for what might be the most important job ever. I like observing how each turn in the campaign road is negotiated by the candidates.
You can learn a lot about these would-be leaders of the “free world” by how they lead their campaigns.
After watching these two men navigate this protracted process now for what seem like years, I have to say I think we have two fully vetted candidates, both of whom have exceptional qualities.
Not necessarily the same qualities, but both possess the kind of qualities that recommend them to the job. I think that’s rare in my own experience.
Usually by this point in the election process, one of the candidates has me scared.
Scared in a way that I know I’m voting for the other guy.
The fact that I find both of these men electable is an unfamiliar political phenomenon for me.
My sense is that I’m not alone in this dilemma.
Democracy is alive and well when political discourse is done in the bright light of day. Many places in the world don’t provide the populace with a choice in these matters, and still other places make decisions with the gun, or worst yet, a machete.
We should never lose sight of the rarified air we breathe in a true democracy.
Perfect? Hardly. Preferred? Surely.
Having two qualified candidates running in what has to be considered a historic election should be exciting to everyone. If I were 17 I’d be upset that I couldn’t participate in this one.
Imagine it’s the first time a person of color will be on a major party ticket in our 232- year history. It’s the first time a Vietnam veteran and amazingly a POW real life hero will be a major party candidate.
It is both one of the youngest and the oldest candidates to ever run against one another. A female candidate almost led a ticket for the first time ever and a woman is second on a ticket.
No incumbent is running, and neither the Clinton nor Bush political dynasties is in play for the first time in a long time. People have observed the televised debates, including the vice-presidential debate, in record numbers.
Personally, I’ll be disappointed if we don’t see record numbers turn out to vote on Election Day. But, if as I expect we do, then know that democracy is not only alive and well, but healthy.
So when you step into your neighborhood’s polling place on Tuesday take a deep breath.
Breathe in deep the rarified air of democracy and know you are a participant in history.
Andy Lasky and his wife, Katie, own and operate City View Bar & Grill – “Atop Johnstown’s Famous Inclined Plane” – and Westwood Plaza Theatre, both in Westmont.
Local News
Related Photos
-
ANDY LASKY Todd Berkey
Discussion
ANDY LASKY | A desirable dilemma
- Local News
-
-
Local nonprofit groups get $900,000 from United Way
The United Way of the Laurel Highlands this morning awarded nearly $900,000 – a record high – to more than 25 nonprofit agencies in Cambria and Somerset counties.
-
Coal truck overturns on Route 219
A loaded coal truck overturned this morning on Route 219 between the South Fork and New Germany exits.
-
Trial in cross-burning case set for July
The trial of a Centre County man in a cross-burning case – originally slated for this month – now is scheduled for July 23 in U.S. District Court in Johnstown.
-
State may take over financially distressed school districts
Pennsylvania’s four most financially distressed school districts could be facing a state takeover, and more districts may be on the way.
-
Rotarians collecting used bikes for third-world countries
The Richland Rotary Club is collecting used bicycles June 16 that will be refurbished for use by the working poor and children in developing countries.
-
Indiana County didn't lose money in scam, police say
State police say a bank got wise before Indiana County lost any money from $53,000 worth of forged government checks.
-
Local events commemorate Memorial Day
Throughout Greater Johnstown, the military was honored on Memorial Day for its sacrifices with marching bands, military hardware, beauty queens and flag raisings.
-
Digital mammography available in the region
Digital mammography is now available at locations throughout the Conemaugh Health System.
-
PennDOT lauds outstanding workers
PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch has recognized 31 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, the department’s highest recognition.
-
In brief: Several hurt in Northern Cambria crash
Several people were injured early Monday in a one-vehicle wreck on Plattsville Hill Road, authorities said.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Local nonprofit groups get $900,000 from United Way
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Raw Video: Earthquake Shakes Evacuees in Italy
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
