Debate Night Thoughts

I can’t stop thinking about that debate.

And not in a good way.

I’m still sitting here in awe…

Not because of what was said.

But because of how it was said.

Watching it honestly reminded me of my 11 and 12-year-olds when they’re arguing.

One is trying to speak…

And the other?

Talking over them.

Making noise.

Interrupting just to be heard.

And as a parent, I get it.

There’s passion there.

There’s emotion.

There’s a desire to be right.

But at some point…

You have to let the other person finish.

Because this isn’t just about being heard.

It’s about being understood.

And that’s what felt missing.

As someone watching, I didn’t tune in for chaos.

I tuned in for clarity.

I wanted to hear what each candidate had to offer.

I wanted to understand their plans.

I wanted to be able to sit back and say:

“Okay… this is what you stand for.”

But instead?

It felt like trying to listen through noise.

And that’s frustrating.

Because at the end of the day, we—the people—are the ones who have to make a decision.

And we can’t make informed choices…

If we can’t even hear what’s being said.

Speaking for myself, I don’t want perfection.

I don’t expect that.

But I do want respect.

Respect for the process.

Respect for the people watching.

Respect for the moment.

Because this isn’t entertainment.

This is leadership.

I want to know how life will improve.

Not for one group.

Not for one side.

But for all of us.

I’m tired of the back and forth.

The name-calling.

The constant division.

At some point…

We need substance.

We need plans.

We need direction.

We need something we can actually hold onto.

So as we move into the next debates…

I’m hoping for something different.

Less noise.

Less interruption.

Less ego.

And more clarity.

Because if both sides can actually present what they have to offer…

Then maybe—just maybe—we can make a clear, confident decision about who we want leading this country.

And please…

Let’s leave the name-calling at home next time.