JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 139
We survived the midterm
elections and
believe it or not, we
are still fine. For a
while, I wondered if anyone would
survive the campaign battles. The
candidates were accusing each other
of all types of things, while voters
were using arguments that bordered
on the ridiculous to support their positions.
I longed for the days when civil tongues
and constructive debates were standard.
Years ago, I was approached to run
for a political office. At the time, I was
intrigued with the opportunity to serve
the public and possibly make a difference
in the world. However, as I thought about
it, I realized that my family and I would
have to endure some sacrifices. Having to
be away from home often didn’t bother
me, since I was used to being away for
extended periods of time as a broadcaster.
What really bothered me was the intense
scrutiny we would be under and the claims
that would have been made, true or not.
That scrutiny convinces many potential
candidates not to run.
Some people say we need better
candidates, but we can’t get them because
of the childish name-calling and outright
misstatements of facts and slander,
the same reasons I wouldn’t become a
candidate. During this election cycle, we
heard everything. It became apparent
that winning at any cost was the typical
candidate’s battle cry and that there was
no high road. Anything was acceptable if it
helped them win. Charge opponents with
anything, and let them prove it wrong.
In court, a judge can order the jury to
ignore certain things that are said. But
the fact is, the jury members have already
heard it and try as they might, it is not easy
for jury members to clear the slate and
forget what they have already heard. Then
there is the money that needs to be spent
on campaigns. Couldn’t that money be
used for better purposes? I wish a system
could be devised where the candidates
would state their cases in a civil
manner over a couple of weeks and
allow the money normally spent on
campaigns to be used to make this
world a better place.
You can call me a dreamer, and
that’s just fine because I wear that
label proudly. I believe in this
country and its resilience. I certainly
believe we can do a lot better than we are,
but only if we start putting our country
first instead of winning at all costs. Our
country was founded on ideals that require
us to work together for the benefit of all.
The mid-terms gave us a split Congress
in Washington, therefore, we may find our
elected officials more willing to negotiate.
If both parties are willing to use common
sense, they can rebuild our trust and
respect. But as I said, I am a dreamer, yet
believe it can happen. Let’s hope so. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dick Crippen, a staple in
Tampa Bay broadcasting for more than 40 years,
is a senior adviser for the Tampa Bay Rays,
and works extensively with the military. He is
active in the world of charity fundraising and
sits on 11 boards for nonprofit organizations.
COMMAERNTTARY
WOULD YOU RUN?
By Dick Crippen
Dick Crippen