It was a lesson for Americans in this election year: Britain voted, and a new Prime Minister took office. His predecessor was defeated. The behavior of both officials was admirable.
The British people do not elect prime ministers, just as Americans do not elect presidents. (In this country, 538 super-citizens called Electors elect a president.)
In Britain, the people elect members of various parties to parliament. Each political party selects a leader in parliament. The monarch, by long-standing custom, invites the leader of the majority in parliament to serve as prime minister. Essentially, the prime minister’s job is a gift from the crown.
In the British election divisions were sharp, but personalities and personal traits were not mentioned, only how best to handle the concerns facing the British people, such as inflation and world peace.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s party was defeated. Son of immigrants but born and reared in Britain, Sunak is not part of the national tradition that Britons, maybe more than Americans, so cherish. For instance, he is not a Christian, but a practicing Hindu.
His party no longer the majority, Sunak went to King Charles III to resign, accepting the results of the election.
As Sunak and his wife set out on their trip to meet the king, Sunak spoke on national television. He apologized to the people who voted against his party. He said that he was sorry for disappointing them with his performance in the office, since they loved the country as much as he did.
Then he acknowledged Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the new majority, calling him a “decent man,” a man of integrity devoted to the British nation. Sunak wished him well.
As expected, the king invited Starmer to serve as prime minister.
Starmer agreed and then he addressed the nation. He complimented Sunak, first expressing admiration for Sunak’s devotion to the country and then saluting Sunak’s tenacity in making a political success of himself and becoming a good citizen, dedicated to the people’s well-being even though (but in reality probably because) his parents came to Britain as immigrants.
A gracious past
Similar graciousness and respect among opponents once characterized American politicians. In United States history, few politicians were as diametrically opposed to the other’s policies as were former President Ronald Reagan, a Republican, and House Speaker Thomas P. O’Neill, a Democrat.
Agreeing on nothing, they were great friends, laughing together, golfing together, enjoying private meals together. It enabled them to work together for the country’s well-being.
In 1977, former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter was inaugurated as president, succeeding President Gerald R. Ford, whom Carter defeated in the recent election. Their political differences were deep and fixed.
Newly elected Carter took the presidential oath and then addressed the nation. His first words thanked Ford for “all” that Ford had given to the country.
Another tense U.S. election was in 2008. Senator Barack Obama, a Democrat, won. Senator John McCain, a Republican, lost.
Later McCain died. Before his death, McCain asked President Obama to speak at his funeral. In his eulogy, Obama recalled that, despite their differences, he and McCain always were good friends who respected each other, listened to each other, trusted each other and enjoyed each other’s company.
Personal attacks
It is not just being nice. Governments work best when issues are discussed and resolved on their merits, or lack of merit, with the best interests of the country first in mind.
Sadly, many people, though well-meaning, fall for personal attacks because they are not informed enough or are deliberately deceived. Still, some politicians, even U.S. presidents, have not shined with wisdom and honesty. Remember Buchanan, Harding and Nixon?
Here we are. Citizens must choose candidates carefully after researching all factors. Character is vital. Other considerations certainly are valid, but all must be frank and firm in questioning personal attacks, aware of — and spurning — the unproven and the ridiculous and taking the time to understand the issues well.
