In sharp contrast to America’s strained and nasty national politics, the Tennessee gubernatorial forum Monday in Chattanooga was like a friendly family reunion.
Republicans treated Democrats with respect, and Democrats listened – and occasionally agreed – with Republican ideas.
No candidate accused another of lying. No one called anyone a belittling name.
There were protesters with signs. But no one suggested they be beaten up or thrown out.
And rather than heckling, the protesters smiled, waved and held their modest signs which simply stated: “America wants sensible gun laws” and “Chatt supports Parkland students.”