In a rather oblique way, my son Carlos is named after Eugene Debs (CLICK HERE FOR THAT STORY), a historical personage I hold in high regard. I came to admire him after reading the biography The Bending Cross not only because of his supposed great oratorical skills and principled positions but because he managed to avoid becoming the thing he was fighting. He treated an antithetical opposition with respect and dignity, even after the point of being incarcerated for his beliefs.
I was reminded of his example in this Slate article about John McCain that was sent to me by John Furman. It's worth a read and might fill you with hope that no matter who wins we might get someone in the White House who is worth a damn.
Here's a passage from that article:
And then, for maybe the third time that morning, McCain spoke of how it affected him when Udall took him in hand. It was a simple act of affection and admiration, and for that reason it meant all the more to McCain. It was one man saying to another, We disagree in politics but not in life. It was one man saying to another, party political differences cut only so deep. Having made that step, they found much to agree upon and many useful ways to work together. This is the reason McCain keeps coming to see Udall even after Udall has lost his last shred of political influence. The politics were never all that important.
(SLATE, unearthed by John Furman)
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