The politics of neutrality

Yep, it's been a long presidential primary season, and it's only going to get longer. But I'm here to help. It's just my nature.

By now, you've probably been embroiled in a political debate or two, but deep down you'd rather just stay on the periphery and wait for November to exercise your right to cast a secret ballot. That's ok, but what do you do when you're at a social gathering and want to be engaged in the debate? You don't want to be viewed as divisive or confrontational, yet you still want to maintain your astute intellectual credentials.

Did you ever think that Warren G. Harding would be the answer to your prayers? Harding, he of the Teapot Dome Scandal, is back in the contemporary colloquy to help you with your dilemma:

There are now three senators running for President. It is the hope of all three that they go directly from the Senate to the White House. But, consider this--only two senators have actually done this. One is John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the other is--you guessed it--Warren G. Harding.

Now, you can dazzle your friends and relatives, take those pundits to task, and give a perfectly political answer to a political question. When asked who you're voting for, you can just smile, say, "the senator, of course", then launch into a short discourse on JFK and WG Harding.

Do your best, but just remember that free advice is worth what you pay for it. I mean, I still can't get over the election where we went to bed knowing the winner and awoke the next day to see the results were upside down. I thought Dewey had it in the bag. Harry Truman? Who knew?