Our society's blind worship of success assumes that only those who pass that ultimate test are worthy of attention and respect. In the eyes of many I did fail, through my own faults and errors, and am therefore disqualified from sharing in my nation's life and debate.

If so, it is a harsh penalty. For, in my own eyes, I chose, under intolerable conditions, not to be reduced from the status of a candidate to that of a media celebrity. I refused to participate in a culture which destroys leadership and demeans debate. The invasive and belittling scrutiny of political leaders, placing all their faults and failures on public display, is justified by the media as fulfilling their responsibility to protect the country from inferior leaders. Does anyone believe, since the media assumed this authority, that the caliber and quality of leadership has risen, that we have wiser, stronger, or more visionary leaders?

No. Rather, the media is waging a war, perhaps unconsciously, on political leadership and on that dignity that is essential to leadership. Their motives for this are complex and unclear, even to themselves. Some dislike the inequalities inherent in republican government. Some are driven purely by competitive commercial pressures. Some feel superior to the subjects they cover. Some resent authority. Some seek acclaim and professional reward. Few know their motives, but all should care, because our nation is at stake.

I refused to submit to a media inquisition that destroys leadership and to a celebrity culture that prefers sensational exposŽ to serious political discourse. It is a simple fact that we will have no great leaders while this irrational war continues.

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