Damon Circosta
The culture of southern politics can be a bit perplexing to outsiders. Though advocates on all sides of any given issue can be quite passionate about their causes, there is a grand tradition of civility in our political discourse.
The hospitality and warmth of the political climate in North Carolina is unrivaled. Across the political spectrum, and throughout the halls of government, people generally treat one another with courtesy and respect. While I have never doubted the earnestness and sincerity with which people advocate for their causes, it is amazing that such passion can exist in such a polite society.
North Carolina is changing. People from other parts of the country, and around the world, are moving here in vast numbers. This influx has helped fuel a solid economy and sparked technological innovations that are the envy of the rest of the world. But as North Carolina diversifies, we risk losing the tradition of civility that sets us apart.
Witness the events of this month. In the Republican runoff elections in congressional districts 8 and 13, the candidates were at each other’s throats. In District 8, one candidate is suing the other for what he calls defamatory political ads that “deliberately spread lies, innuendos and false statements.â€
In District 13, one candidate accused the other of plagiarism. The other hit back with charges of inappropriate language towards a woman.
Some of this back and forth can be attributed to a tight election. But even for politicians not yet on the campaign trail, we see evidence of a breakdown of civil discourse. A recent skirmish between anonymous political paparazzi and a local congressman made national headlines.
In the throes of a campaign, politicians have every incentive to take the gloves off. Civil discourse and a thorough examination of the issues might make for good governance, but they don’t ignite people to get to the polls. There will always be a short-term gain from a campaign throwing off more heat than light.
Few things captivate voters better than an old-fashioned tussle. But while individual campaigns may benefit from cultivating a divided electorate, that process causes systemic problems in governance. Cross-party cooperation is almost nil, screaming at town hall meetings is on the rise and everyone suspects that everyone else is out to ruin them. Trying to come to a sensible compromise on any of the difficult issues we face is next to impossible in such a charged environment.
Politics has always been rough. In the early years of our republic, political duels were often waged with actual firearms, not just competing press releases. No one expects election season to be a muted affair. But once upon a time there was a season for campaigns followed by a season for governing. Now, with a 24-hour news cycle and the perpetual need for fundraising, it’s a permanent campaign.
The dog days of summer used to offer a respite from the election wars. Some say that the whole reason the South has had such congenial politics is that in the summer it just gets too darn hot to argue with people. Perhaps an unintended consequence of air conditioning is it has made us all comfortable enough to get a little hot under the collar.
With the summer sun upon us, maybe we should all step outside, breathe in some of that warm summer air and rethink the way we go about our politics.
Damon Circosta is the executive director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education, a Raleigh-based nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping citizens more fully participate in democracy.