I vote for civility over politics

Am I the only person reading about/watching/discussing politics that thinks that there is just a bit too much (ie a lot of) HATE floating around out there? Since when did having a different opinion than someone mean you had to despise their very existence? I hardly think that an election is about making a choice between a white night and a dark lord. I hardly think that every slip of the tongue or funny looking tie indicates a voluminous character flaw that must be touted and shouted from every roof top.

This vengeful dialogue must be the reason that when I go to vote I have a looming feeling of anxiety and ... distrust. What if the person I chose, who by then - because the "other side" has been slinging vile and angry accusations with the same ferocity that "my guy" has been at them - I have serious doubts about, is really a shyster who has fooled me and others who vote for him and when he wins he will slough off his human form and reveal his true reptilian and evil soul? And even worse...what if the other guy wins?!

I crave information, debate and conversation, even persuasive argument - that is not full of revulsion and fury. I want to be able to hear each candidate state his political and philosophical leanings, his priorities, emphasize his character as well as his humanity and then step aside to let the other do the same. Sure, they can debate, but please, use logic and civility, not propaganda and sarcasm. Note this - I nearly always disbelieve a person who speaks of "the other" guy with hatred. I don't discuss politics very often because it seems like I am frequently blindsided by such statements, and if I try to advocate for rationality I become "one of them." (Oh what a saint I make myself out to be!)

In my fantasy world, if the person I didn't choose happens to win I'll think to myself - "Well, its a good thing that some of my Senators and Congresspeople, as well as those in other states, share my opinion, and can advocate for the causes that I hold dear - and its a good thing that our Founding Fathers set up at system of checks and balances so that the Executive office does not hold all power. And its a good thing that this might only last 4 years, and can not go longer than 8 years. And maybe I can trust the majority of the population to at least have chosen someone with character who, though his opinions differ greatly from mine at least has the best interests of the people he serves at heart."

Of course that would be easier to believe if the candidates themselves weren't so easily...

...hold on, I've got to go clean up cat puke.