Campaigns Bring Out the Worst in People

The art of losing gracefully has disappeared in politics. Sure the concession speech still exists, but the overall reaction of one's constituents speaks volumes as to how the campaign has been waged.

A prime example comes from this week's San Diego Mayoral run-off election. As the news was announced on the local television station's websites, the comments immediately were filled with anger, hate, and disparaging comments. Ranging from personal attacks to attacks comparing their sexual actions to that of a former Mayor of San Diego.

Social media has turned everyone out there into an instant reporter, often the type of reporter that is lectured on in journalism and broadcasting classes around the nation that is what gives the industry a black eye.

Escondido relies on the City of San Diego if it is going to achieve the goals that are needed to make Escondido a treasured spot in the county. Our economy depends upon San Diego if we are going to grow or even keep the standard of living that we as residents desire.

I reached out to the two Mayoral candidates for the City of Escondido, Sam Abed and Olga Diaz and asked if they would request their constituents support them by not attacking and slinging mud at the opposition. Their answers were clear.

Sam Abed

Our current Mayor responded quickly to the request. From Sam Abed on Facebook, "My campaign has focus on message and facts. Sadly, the Escondido 2014 Blog and Escondido Democrat's website have not. I will continue to communicate our accomplishments to the community. we have a great success story to tell." Sam

He confirmed that he would strive and work to keep our elections at a higher standard than what we saw in the local media for San Diego. 


Olga Diaz, on the other hand, had to be asked multiple times and still has not given a complete answer. Here is what she says, "I'm running For Mayor of Escondido, not against the current Mayor. My prior campaigns have always remained on topic and positive and I plan to continue with that model."

Olga Diaz

Yes, there are blogs out there that are one-sided and inspire people to speak loosely about one candidate or the other, but I would call on those in leadership for all campaigns to take a higher ground and stick to their own candidate highlighting success that candidate has achieved. That is what a contest is about to highlight and sell yourself, not disparage one another. 

I call on www.escondido2014.com, the Escondido Democrats, and the Escondido Republicans to stick to this. We at Escondido -- A real look, will aim to follow this as well. 

What are your thoughts on running a quality campaign? Leave your thoughts here or on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/EscondidoReport