Negativity dooms candidates, officials

In a competition there will always be a winner and a loser. Some people may call it first and second place, but it means the same thing. If you are in a competition you need to be prepared to handle yourself appropriately for if you lose.

This past week we had the Student Senate presidential campaign for each party occurring on campus. The debate that was held on Thursday in the Reta E. King Library proved to be successful for both the candidates and the audience members who attended. However, that’s where my happy story ends.

Throughout the campaigns there was finger pointing and placing blame on the other person. There were several instances where each candidate handled himself or herself professionally; other situations raised the question on morals.

I was both impressed and taken aback from different instances that occurred throughout the campaigns. One major item that was a problem for both parties was the flyers being taken down.

None of the candidates had anything to do with the misplacement or discarding of the other candidate’s posters. Outside people were doing this for one of two reasons, to be childish and think they were funny, or they wanted one party to win over the other. Either way, it was childish and caused problems and finger pointing.

As the campaign went on both parties were acting professional and it seemed that students would witness a clean, friendly campaign. However, third party individuals who were pushing for a certain candidate were bringing down the name of that very candidate they were trying to support.

The main reason candidates were being bad mouthed around campus was from third party individuals who wanted their friends to be put in the spot light. However, doing that only represents the person in a bad way and can hurt them in the long run.

As I followed the campaign of both parties, went to the debate, and spoke with each candidate I was pleased with their overall performances. There were questionable times however, where I wondered why a certain person was acting one way, or doing something because it contradicted what they had said or done earlier that week, or day.

For instance, I was approached and e-mailed after the Student Senate Presidential Debate on Thursday about a specific candidate, who will remain nameless, that pledged one thing during the debate, and in all actuality it is the complete opposite.

Politics is a tricky business to get into, but if you keep your morals with you it isn’t as difficult. I have a problem with the finger pointing and laying blame on someone else instead of owning up to your mistakes. To me, a person who confesses they made mistakes and come straight out and say it will gain my trust better than someone who hides and denies it.

Not only do I have a problem with people doing this because it’s wrong, but because if you are acting in such a manner at this age, and go on to serve in government, what makes you think you’re morals will become better? United States government politicians are accredited with not making decisions, placing blame on someone else and finger pointing. If you are doing that now in school government, I can guarantee I will not vote for you in national government.

I was very impressed by all four candidates who ran for Student Senate President and Vice President, and I appreciate how they conducted themselves. Neither party necessarily bashed the other like you see in U.S. Presidential candidates for elections, but there were questionable issues that made me lean to one party more than the other. It does not matter who I voted for, both parties did well and I can honestly say I am proud of both.

Just remember, if you are going to hold a public office, whether you are running or are already in office, conduct yourself appropriately. Even if you lose, express gratitude and congratulate the winning opponent. Don’t bash them because you believe you were the better candidate.