The need for a responsible press

This will be the third time in the last four presidential elections where the American voter will be faced with less than ideal choices. In the 2008 election, we had a candidate with little experience versus a candidate who graduated in the bottom 1% of his college class. In the 2016 election, both candidates had record high negatives. In the 2020 race, the 2016 record high negatives winner will be facing a modern day Robespierre, a gaffe machine, or, until recently, a person who thinks he should be able to personally buy the presidency.

So why is the voter stuck with such flawed candidates? I contend that a major contributor is the irresponsibility of the media. This includes editorial and opinion page writers and television talking heads. Who in their right mind would want to run for president where you and your family are constantly exposed to horrible and vicious personal attacks?

Most presidential candidates have narcissistic personalities since this personality type is the only one that can tolerate such a caustic environment. And since narcissists account for only 1% of the population, the candidate pool is quite small.

There is no problem with the media challenging someone’s positions and decisions. In fact, it is a necessity in a democracy. But the visceral, hateful commentary emanating from the press has no place in a civil society. The Constitution guarantees freedom of the press but who guarantees the public a responsible one?

Ron Dugan

Spokane