Presidential primary debates are an important part of our political process. But the media has wrested complete control from the parties and candidates over everything, including the number, the format, the qualifications, and the moderators. And they’ve become a circus. Mark McKinnon Read Quote
Having been heavily involved in the planning of a couple of G.O.P. conventions, my view is, we should just scrap ’em. Cancel ’em. Just figure out an appropriate forum for the nominee to give an acceptance speech and be done with it. Mark McKinnon Read Quote
I don’t claim any moral or ethical high ground, but I also have chosen not to run for public office. Shouldn’t there be a higher standard of conduct for public officials? Mark McKinnon Read Quote
My brother is one of my true heroes. Steady and sober where I am impulsive and emotional. Mark McKinnon Read Quote
Drone attacks subvert the rule of law – we become judge, jury, and executioner – at the push of a button. Mark McKinnon Read Quote
Presidents should do whatever possible and practical to encourage an environment of cooperation and bipartisanship. And they should maintain a certain level of decorum, diplomacy and decency. But, at the end of the day, presidents get elected to enact change. Mark McKinnon Read Quote
George W. Bush was president through some of the darkest days of our history and yet his optimism never waned. He is optimistic by nature, but he also understood the importance of always communicating a sense that things will get better. Mark McKinnon Read Quote
Mention the name George W. Bush in mixed company, and you’re likely to spark a lot of debate and emotion – hot and cold, good and bad. Not a lot of neutral reaction. He was elected in the most controversial contest in American electoral history and governed during one of the most tumultuous decades. Mark McKinnon Read Quote
I’ve slipped on occasion into the realm of irresponsible invective, but I try to avoid it and generally recant when I fall short. Because name-calling does nothing to improve understanding or move the political debate forward. Mark McKinnon Read Quote
