First, the latest TTM Consulting newsletter, Training Training Training, is available here. It was inspired by yesterday's post on training, which makes sense.

I've been thinking about the Democratic primary process lately and wondering just what this type of thing seems to do to leadership. It seems that instead of the candidates being able to just boost themselves up in trying to convince people that they would be the best candidate for the job, they have to tear down their opponent, sometimes using tactics that have nothing to do with another candidates position on political topics at all.

Frankly, I don't like it, and a lot of it keeps me from watching any of the debates or press conferences, and only looking in briefly at the results after each contest. I did the same when the Republicans were still running primaries. There is something to be said for taking the high road, yet, if I noticed that the populace seemed to only respond to negative tactics, I have to wonder if I'd be ready to go that route.

In the end, this probably means that we'll end up electing the person who was able to trash his or her opponent the best. I'm thinking that's a terrible way to elect a president. Some say that the process proves how touch a prospective president is to have been able to survive it; I say that it starts the potential president out with nothing but negativity that has to be overcome later on. When discussing true leadership, this is definitely not something one would point to as far as a recommendation.

I guess it could be worse; at least they're not jumping over tables and engaging in fistfights, although, in this case, I think if that were to happen this election would already be over.