There’s a reason why I’ve become so opposed to our election process as it currently stands.
It’s more than our ugly tone.
It’s more than our disrespect of each other.
All the tools of electioneering are now being used to mislead rather than enlighten. They are being used to destroy rather than to build.
The best example of this is the Ohio gubernatorial ad — I believe it will have an impact. In fact, I’m sure of it. But it’s a horrible example of how low we have sunk.
When people ask me to analyze an ad, they’re not asking for my opinion. They’re asking me for the impact it will have on voters. And that’s exactly what I try to give them.
This is different.
This is my opinion.
I think this ad will be taught in schools for decades about just how toxic our politics have turned.
I’m sad for what my country has become.
Fred Rogers got a room full of TV stars to sit in silence and think about someone else.
Accepting a lifetime achievement award at the 1997 Daytime Emmys, he asked everyone to take a moment and think of the people who helped them become who they are.
His show ran on public TV from 1968 to 2001, and his 1969 Senate testimony helped save funding for public broadcasting. I can't think of an awards speech that has aged better.