Watch out, here comes an intellectual.

We have come to the point, in our campaigns, where candidates for elected office believe they have to play dumb to be elected. The campaign commercials running
reflect the most elementary reasons for choosing a candidate, and usually negative
information about the opponents character and positions. Discussion about the nation's problems is kept to simple terms, all black and white, so the voting public can avoid thinking and vote by emotion or party loyalty. Digging deep you will
discover that most candidates are more intelligent than represented by their campaign, but in the prevailing political mood intellect frightens many potential voters. The simplistic, jingoistic Sarah Palin/Tea Party philosophy has so intimidated politicians that they feel compelled to echo it, even if aware of how
empty it is.

I could name several candidates for national office who have achieved brilliant
records in academe, and in public office, who are playing down or concealing their
achievements. I won't because revealing them may impair their election chances.
How sad! If ever we needed the Best and Brightest, now is the time. Let them rise
above ambition and teach while campaigning instead of joining the howling pack!