Kaine vs. Pence: Is this the best we can do?

I am partisan and my vote was always set in stone. Having said that, the so-called Vice Presidential debate was appalling and the short amount of it I could stomach made me feel like taking a shower. Is it any wonder that most of us hate politics and politicians?

One candidate was an aggressive bully who interrupted constantly, the other had a much better demeanor but lied through his teeth, denying numerous direct quotes that are a matter of public record. The moderator totally failed in her role.

Neither Kaine nor Pence made even a pretense of answering the questions, and neither bothered to discuss the many urgent issues facing our nation.

Is it any wonder that we are living in an era of toxic gridlock full of lies, propaganda, talking points and psychological manipulation, when money, power and influence are everything and compromise and consensus mean nothing?

We voters are far from blameless, caught up in a world of pop culture and mindless consumerism. Ignorance is prized over facts and education. Millions are too apathetic to pay any attention. It is said that we get the government we deserve, and this pathetic farce of an election is proof positive.

This story was originally published October 5, 2016 at 3:55 PM with the headline "Kaine vs. Pence: Is this the best we can do?."