A Race Without

They stood at the optimum distance, well protected from another possible Covid infection.

One candidate totters on obesity, his weight gain well disguised in an exquisitely custom made navy blue suit. There is no immunity to the stealth of stress. It stalks in silence leaving scars, both hidden and visible.

The other candidate, despite an equally impeccable appearance, was unable to disguise his growing physical and possible mental fragility.

Both men are seasoned in the art of political speaking, but both were obviously, well beyond their physical prime.

Neither man has an obvious need for the continuing and obsessive desire to fill the envied position for another four years. It is a leadership role that was passionately coveted by many younger and equally capable men and women.

The two opponents I watched last night during the final Presidential debate of 2020 are both wealthy men. Their income and financial worth are far above and beyond the financial scope of the vast majority of American citizens.

Both are husbands, fathers, and Grandfathers. Both appear to be supported and cherished by loving and supportive families.

What motivates their driving need for this late in life challenge to lead a troubled country?

Why does ambition submerge the glaring reality that both candidates are now too old .The envied prize of a four year Presidential term will drain the winner physically as well as emotionally and intellectually. Whoever achieves the coveted position will be rewarded with another questionable award; four years of frenzied opposition from the losing political party.

Whoever wins the 2020 November election is in peril of forfeiting far more.

The victor relinquishes privacy, along with a precious and possibly limited time of late life to share with those he loves and hopefully love him. This valid reality constitutes a major loss for anyone in either candidate’s age bracket.

I would like to believe it is love of country, but sadly, I am too realistic or possibly cynical. Both of the skilled and well seasoned political opponents could serve our nation equally well in a lesser Governmental position, i.e, cabinet officer or political advisor to a younger man or woman.

As my own road leads downward, I fail to comprehend the source of their ambition, or lust for power that has consumed both aged candidates in this tumultuous political fracas.

Only one man will be proclaimed a winner. However, realistically, the sacrifice both have made with their personal gift of life, denies that term. Sadly, I believe there will be two losers; one of an election; the other of life’s precious gift, time.

May God bless both men and may God bless our country.