Likeability

This week . . . after Labor day, as the “official” election season begins to lift off, there is a term popping up in the pundit chatter that is conspicuous in its refreshing banality: “Likeability.” Used perhaps most often in the surprisingly competitive Texas senate race, it seems to suggest more than simply personal appeal. Yes, I may be grasping at straws, but I think it could hint at a growing desire for the kind of civil discourse, rational thought and non-combative debate that is so lacking these days.

In response to a question about NFL kneeling, Democratic Texas Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, whose “likeability” is said to be presenting incumbent Republican Ted Cruz with an unexpected challenge, prefaced his response with this:

“Reasonable people can disagree on this issue. Let’s begin there. And it makes them no less American to come down to a different conclusion on this issue.”

Whatever your position, party or ideology, that is something every candidate from every party should be comfortable saying. To do that may make them more “likeable.” But I think that’s an understatement. To me, it makes them more serious, more deserving of office, more American. And, therefore, more politically competitive? I.e., perhaps civility is finally emerging a political asset.

When reading these examples, check the above list and ask yourself: regardless of whether you agree or disagree, is this really advancing an intelligent resolution through the persuasive, rational arguments of advocacy…or simply fueling the fire of conflict through the divisive, emotional manipulations of polarization?

Here are a few of the (“unlikeable?”) blue and red polarizing headlines the past week.