I think a wonderful way to get this race in perspective is to frame it in a completely objective set of rules!

Trustworthiness

Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country

Respect

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices

Fairness

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly

Caring

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment

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How would all the candidates stand up within this framework? How would the media observe them if they evaluated and reported on the "character" of the candidates having to stick within the framework of the pillars? I wonder if it would make for a better presidential race?

I don't think any one person has to "pass" these standards or even be able to adhere to all of them all the time.

How about just recognizing that they are valuable????

That in itself would be a huge change from our current administration.

If the candidates (especially those within a party primary) would even adhere to a few of them then we'd have more of a race and a choice than a grueling and bloody battle.

This is one of the best posts I've read in a while. It reminds me of the first awesome theBell post I read.

Looked to me like the media decided otherwise. I didn't get the chance to vote for anyone but Obama or Hillary.

I hope we see a better primary process after this election.