A Time For Politics To Become Civil: The Dr Brian McDonough Show

The 2000 Convention was held in Philadelphia from July 31-August 3.At the time I was medical reporter at the Fox affiliate in Philadelphia and (since we were the local Fox affiliate) we were given a prime position, incredible access and a key role in feeding video/content to the network. There was no reason for me to be at the convention, and I was anticipating an easy week. Early in the convention, former President Gerald R. Ford had a major health issue that led to his hospitalization. I spent the week at The First Union Center (now Wells Fargo Center). This was a time before significant social media and a time before cable networks realized they could get ratings with talking heads.It was the only time I was ever involved covering any aspect of politics. However, I remember the rhetoric was tough and the stakes were high, but there seemed to be a discourse where people could voice opinions and others could voice theirs without vitriol. On the eve of the 2024 political convention season our nation is hurting and a former President came inches from losing his life. Call me naive, but I am hoping our politicians can cut down on the rhetoric and the talking heads in both cable and social media can stop trying to get ratings, followers and cash from stoking the flames of hatred. A quarter of a century ago I had a front row seat---things weren't perfect (democracy is imperfect) but it was civil.