Decent people in politics

As the Republican race for the White House is illustrating, “Politics ain’t bean-bag.” Thankfully, in this country, it’s not a contact sport either. But the stakes are high and the fight is fierce.

There are cultural limits to the terms of engagement. People’s children are off limits as targets. The first one to mention Nazis loses, unless you’re Ben Carson. And you cannot say your opponent is lying but only twisting the facts or being less than truthful.

The GOP candidates were on their best behavior last Wednesday for CNBC’s debate in Boulder, Colo., even the one who is noted for his misbehavior. But their restraint was mostly not moral decency so much as enlightened self-interest. The Donald is calculating that a softer Trump is better suited to rise at this point. But when Ohio Gov. John Kasich took a swipe at him he was mercilessly scornful in return.

There are decent people in politics and it’s not true that “nice guys finish last,” or at least not necessarily true. Both Ronald Reagan and his successor, George H.W. Bush were good men and good sports. George’s son Jeb seems to have the same character.

But the former Florida governor was less than true to it in his exchange with Sen. Marco Rubio, also of Florida, at last week’s debate. An editorial in South Florida’s Sun Sentinel last week called on Rubio to resign his Senate seat on account of all the floor votes he has missed while campaigning. Bush had been languishing in the single digits along with most of the GOP field in national polls but he recently slipped behind Rubio. Seeing an opportunity to bring down his in-state rival standing next to him on the debate stage, Bush piled on with the newspaper’s charge.

It had the rancid taste of betrayal. Bush likes and respects Rubio. They’re friends. Bush mentored the freshman senator through his ascent in Florida state politics. Bush seemed uncomfortable with his offensive maneuver. When Rubio shot back with a defense and countercharge, Bush just smiled sweetly. He didn’t return a counterpunch. He began a retort but politely held his tongue when Rubio pressed his point. Bush’s heart wasn’t in it because he has a good heart. But he did make the charge and has since doubled down on it … a day late. The honorable course would be to outshine his young Padawan or, failing that, concede the stage.

Rubio, for his part, played hardball and was on his game. He blunted the attack, suggesting that Bush staged it only because they’re competing for the same political space and Rubio is winning. But in his deflection, Rubio shielded and excused his friend as much as he could. “Someone has convinced you that attacking me is going to help you.” There’s love in those words. He shares Bush’s sentiments, and so he made it clear to the audience: “I will continue to have tremendous admiration and respect for Gov. Bush.” It was noble and effective.

We’re not electing a professor or a pundit for president. Whoever we elevate to that high position of executive authority needs to be morally centered in justice and mercy. Walking humbly with God would help. But he or she will also have to have the mettle to wield the sword effectively and prudently, in both tongue and blade, against villains at home and monsters abroad.