Like Martin Luther King, Jr., I have a dream. My dream is about the United States presidential race.

I have a dream of a presidential race in which both candidates are their best selves, a race characterized by civility, respect, and truth-telling. It’s a race about building up rather than tearing down. It’s a race that eschews smear tactics and personal destruction, and identifies fear-mongering for what it is when it rears its ugly head.

It’s a dream in which both candidates realize that the way they behave now is shaping who they are becoming, is shaping their character, is shaping who they will be when one of them is the next President. I dream that they will realize that what is most important is who they are at the core, and that when they respond civilly, respectfully, and truthfully, they are strengthening their core.

In my dream, the campaign stays focused on issues of importance for the nation and the world, seeking real solutions rather than quick fixes to challenging problems like the energy crisis, terrorism, abortion, and immigration. I dream of the two candidates bringing out different perspectives on the issues and listening to and learning from one another. I dream of them caring more about the country they want to lead than they do about personal gain.

It’s a dream in which, when a book comes out that is full of untruths about a candidate, the opposing candidate condemns the book.

I have a dream of substantive, civil debate between the candidates, a debate that is reported in all its nuances by media outlets also committed to civility, respect, and truth-telling.

I dream of an awake and aware electorate that distinguishes truth from falsehood, substance from hype, quality from veneer, an electorate that calls the candidates and the media to account.

I dream of a presidential race in which both candidates are so honorable and open to learning from one another that, in the end, either choice would be a good choice.


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Margaret Benefiel, Ph.D., author of "Soul at Work: Spiritual Leadership in Organizations," and "The Soul of a Leader: Finding Your Path to Success and Fulfillment," works with leaders in business, healthcare, churches, government and non-profits to help them develop spiritual leadership. Visit her website at www.ExecutiveSoul.com. © Copyright 2008 by Margaret Benefiel.