Let’s not trump gutter politics

US debates set rotten example

IN SPITE of the intemperate language, and ineffective moderation, the trilogy of US presidential debates were conclusive in one respect; namely that the combustible Republican nominee Donald Trump is not fit to occupy the White House because of his volatility and misogyny.

His refusal to confirm whether he will accept the November 8 result, as his conspiracy theories become even more outlandish and tarnish America’s reputation as a beacon of global democracy, means his sanctimonious opponent Hillary Clinton – a candidate with many unanswered questions of her own on national security – will almost certainly prevail simply because she’s the ‘least worst’ option. It’s hardly a ringing endorsement for such an important and illustrious job.

A tawdry campaign which has exposed the deep fractures in American society as well as a distinct lack of political leadership and statesmanship, some will contend that the debates should not be replicated on this side of the Atlantic during future elections because they have amounted to little more than a low-grade reality TV show.

This view is wrong. Those standing for high office should submit themselves to questions from the public and it is to Britain’s credit, at a time when voters hold politicians in a low regard, that this country did not sink to such a low during the 2010 election or, more recently, the EU referendum when the worst was an unnecessary slur that Amber Rudd – now the Home Secretary – made about Boris Johnson’s latenight driving.

What the UK does not want to import from America is the type of debate that has dragged US politics into the gutter. At a time when Brexit is proving to be so contentious and divisive, now is the time for calm heads to prevail and rival politicians to work together in the national interest rather than attempting to trump the appalling example that has been set in the United States this fall.