Over the course of the last six months, I have questioned on many occasions what it is about the Obamas that can so easily move me to tears. Whether it is a speech by Michelle or Barack or watching video of them interacting with Americans on many occasions I was stunned to find tears streaming down my face. For a fairly cynical 54 year old this recent tendency has led me to hours of introspection and a reconsideration of the path for my life going forward.
The news of Tim Russert's sudden death on Friday, and the tribute paid to him on Meet the Press today, had a similar effect. Although I frequently disagreed with his positions and the manner in which he interviewed his guests I was struck on June 3rd by his repeated call to his colleagues to recognize the significance of and history in Barack's claim as the presumptive nominee of the Democratic party. While the other pundits continued their obsession with Hillary that night he repeatedly attempted to steer them back to recognizing this historic moment for our country.
What is it about these men that has had such a profound emotional effect on so many of us? Decency. Honor. Authenticity. Values.
For my generation, the changes over the course of our lifetimes in having a moral compass as a nation have been profound. We were raised to work hard, respect our elders, mind our manners and language, and care about our neighbors and community. We grew up in a generation where vulgar language was not common and was viewed as a sign of intellectual incompetence. Television could be watched by all members of the family without cringing at the violence, sex, Viagra ads, and language that you would not want your children to learn. Somewhere along the way, we have lost our moral compass.
After the horrors of war footage and the assasinations of some of our great leaders, violence and the voyeurism of it became commonplace. After enduring the incessant reporting of President Clinton's affairs and sexual conduct, things that were taboo in the family room of our homes became commonplace. Parsing of words--rather than truth--became commonplace. And with each of these things our cynicism grew larger. We are now at the point that there is NO outrage over the fact that our President lied to Americans and Congress to justify the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Yes, there is discussion, but outrage? Only amongst a very small portion of the electorate. If it was greater we would not see so little discussion about the articles of impeachment. Likewise, where is the outrage over the fact that torture was planned in the White House?
While I have adapted as have most to our changing morals and socially acceptable behavior, in my months of introspection what has become clear to me is that the attraction I feel to both Obama and Tim Russert is this: decency. A basic decency that places family first, that mandates faithfulness to and respect for your spouse, and makes your children your first priority. Honor. A sense of honor to and love for our country that is an inherent part of their conduct. Authenticity. A sense of trustworthiness, warmth of character and belief that these men, despite their ambition, are who we see. Values. A value for truthfulness and respect for every human being.
Sadly, in today's world these traits in our public figures seem rare. They are the traits that move so many of us to tears. Our craving for this basic decency is so great that we cannot turn away regardless of whether we agree with them. Their call to community and service feeds our souls in a way they have not been fed for a very long time. And I have hope. Hope that when a James Carville and Mary Matalin can be moved to tears by the death of Tim Russert that perhaps--just maybe--the decency that for so long has defined Americans will once again elevate those few public men and women that display these characteristics. Perhaps--just maybe--as we move our country forward we can again find our moral compass as a nation and demand this basic decency from our leaders.