The political arena is seemingly warped and corrupt, even though well-intentioned at the core.

Focusing specifically on the presidential debate and interpretations of the debate, I realized that analysts are only focusing on who won the debate – Obama or McCain.

Instead of focusing on which presidential candidate won the debate, should we not be focused more on compromise and building common goals that people can agree on?

When I heard someone on the network state that it was bad for Obama to agree with McCain, I had the thought – what a politically corrupt view of how to deal with issues.

With compromise and an acceptance of the opposing side’s points of view as relevant and elemental to the populist view of the people it represents, common ground can be built on, strengthening the foundation. Building on that core, we strengthen outwardly as cultures, becoming more knowledgable and accepting of differences in opinion.

I am a romantic and perhaps disillusioned in my belief in people, but we can all dream. In my dream, a political system would function as a tool for society as a whole, as intended.

Instead, the debate analyst acted as a political fisherman, tossing a proverbial fishing net, hauling in food for the power-hungry politically corrupt.

How does that saying go, “We the people …”?

Dennis Crocker, Lisbon Falls