IN the 2008 United States presidential campaign the Republican contender, Senator John McCain, earned the respect of millions of people, not only in that country, but across the world, when he delivered a firm but gentle rebuke to one of his supporters.

The occasion was a rally. The supporter, a woman, had obviously swallowed a falsehood about Senator McCain’s rival, the then Democratic candidate, Senator Barack Obama.

The woman, who had been handed the microphone after walking up to Senator McCain, said: “I can’t trust Obama. I have read about him, and he’s not… he’s an Arab.”

Senator McCain shook his head, took the microphone from the woman, and said: “No, Ma’am. He’s a decent family man, a citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that’s what this campaign is all about.”

During the rally Senator McCain continued to defend Senator Obama, even as some of his supporters voiced surprise and disapproval.

“He is a decent person, and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president,” Senator McCain said. “If I didn’t think I’d be one heck of a better president I wouldn’t be running, and that’s the point. I admire Senator Obama and his accomplishments; I will respect him. I want everyone to be respectful, and let’s make sure we are, because that’s the way politics should be conducted in America.”

Our recall of this most pivotal moment in what was a long and tough campaign is motivated by developments here over the past few years.

Increasingly we are seeing people, who we genuinely believe know much better, embracing crudity and coarseness in what passes for public discourse. Men and women in positions of leadership — here we make particular mention of party leaders — give sheepish nods of approval to disturbing pronouncements and/or actions from individuals who report to them.

It is particularly conspicuous among politicos and their blinkered supporters, many of whom utilise social media platforms to spew venom, including here.

Indeed, that descent into repulsiveness was what spurred former Prime Minister Mr P J Patterson to issue a heartfelt message to the nation last month as we observed the annual Emancipendence Week.

Readers will recall Mr Patterson lamenting that utterances from some in the political sphere and positions of authority belittle us as a nation and undermine respect for all.

“Public respect is rapidly descending to an all-time low. The language used routinely is distasteful, disgraceful, and comments are derogatory. The tone of their delivery is devoid of respect,” Mr Patterson said.

“Increasingly, the public is made to endure intensely negative public discourse that abuses, demeans, and vilifies others. Instead of mutual respect, a small but vociferous number of our public speakers are consistently mean-spirited and vulgar…” he pointed out.

Mr Patterson also correctly pointed out that the despicable pattern of offensive utterances and vitriolic exchanges will deter rather than entice idealistic youngsters who aspire to engage in the political arena or render public service.

We had hoped that his appeal would have influenced a change in public behaviour. We haven’t yet seen that. However, we are eternal optimists because this is our home — the country we love and hope will become a better place for us and future generations.

Our leaders, in all spheres, can be the catalysts for that change.