Commonalities

by Tavis Smiley - The Tavis Smiley Show

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

As a commentator called upon to interview individuals representing the entirety of the political landscape, I have been struck by the consistencies I see coming from all sides. It seems whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent, we Americans have more in common than we would care to admit publicly when it comes down to how we choose our candidate. In the midst of one of the most contentious elections ever, I am awed by the commonalities shared by those diametrically opposed to each other on positions of policy.

From my vantage point, there are three main common threads that bind together seemingly divergent members of our republic when it comes to choosing a candidate: self-interest, level of connection and faith.

Self-interest rules. Regardless of political affiliation, Americans vehemently look out for themselves first. Though we are often swept up by larger, more global issues, these issues resonate with us strongest on the personal level. We ask, "How is this issue going to affect me, my family and my community?" Those who cannot understand why anyone would vote for George W. Bush are as self-interest-focused as those unable to conceive of a person casting his or her ballot for John Kerry. Both sides believe their candidate will deliver the goods, services, attention and time to their most coveted concerns.

That said, the majority of the electorate realizes that politicians are just that - politicians. Thus, liberal or conservative, most of us require some form of personal touch, some way of connecting to our candidate. In other words, we are politically and historically astute enough to know that all campaign promises are not going to be kept. Thus, we require a reason beyond the rhetoric to buy into our candidate. I have heard it said on more than one occasion by Bush supporters that they disagree with his handling of various issues. However, he's their man because he's from Texas, or because he represents an "everyman" to whom they can relate. The same support can be seen in the Kerry camp, with constituents finding various ways to plug into their candidate that speak less to his record than to his person.

Finally, the issue of faith plays an incredibly important role in helping us pick our candidate. It is the faith that many of us have in our party's principles, or past track records, that orders our steps toward a certain candidate. This faith (sometimes blind) looks past the candidates' words, and even actions, and hopes that they will live up to the ideals that a voter holds dear.

Thus, during this election season, which is sure to become even more divisive, it might do us all some good to recognize those commonalities that imperceptibly bind us together.

With his late night television talk show, Tavis Smiley on PBS, and his radio show The Tavis Smiley Show from NPR, , Smiley is the first American ever to simultaneously host signature talk shows on both PBS and National Public Radio. Smiley, who started his career as an aide to former Los Angeles mayor Tom Bradley, also offers political commentary twice weekly on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. . In addition, he has authored eight books and has his own imprint (Smiley Books) with Hay House.

What "commonalities" do you believe connect us as Americans? What traits or beliefs do you believe to be inherently American? Are divisiveness and contentious disagreement healthy or damaging aspects of democracy?

Deciding Votes | The Savvy Voter | Web Roundup

Election Glossary | For Kids, Parents and Teachers
About This Site | Site Credits | pbs.org Privacy Policy

Copyright © 1995 - 2005 Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). All rights reserved.