This is the first of a weekly series of public forums on TMB. Watch for a new round every Monday (used to be every Wednesday). The schedule is available here.

Finally! The primary season has wrapped up. With Obama’s clinch in the delegate count and news that Clinton will formally concede this Saturday, it is time for the battle we have all been waiting for (or dreading).

I thought it would be a good idea to host a public forum in which individuals can sound off about the presidential candidates. I really encourage everyone to share their thoughts, even if you don’t have much to say. Although a new post will open each week, the forums from each round are meant to be ongoing, right up until November 4. (Please tell your friends!)

Each week there will be a new topic to discuss. I am intentionally leaving the forum to be quite open-ended. I will simply say that these forums are meant to cater to Latter-day Saint perspectives. So I hope that you consider that in your comments. Certainly not every comment will have to interface with LDS thought, but I hope that it is at least implicit.

Because I really want to encourage people to express their thoughts, I am holding these forums to a high standard of respect. Of course, debate is encouraged. But there’s no reason to get personal. Similarly, vulgarity and slander will not be tolerated. You will receive one warning for violating this rule (in which your comment will be edited). After a second violation, you will be added to the moderation list (in which your comments will be moderated before being approved). A third violation, and you will be banned from these forums. Clearly off topic or ridiculous comments (e.g., “Vote for Ron Paul!” or “Obama is a Muslim!”) will be deleted.

You know, one thing to simply remember (easy to forget on the Internet) is that you are talking to real people. I encourage everyone to avoid the seductive allure of anonymous rudeness (which I admit I have been guilty of on occasion).

I thought a good topic to start off is “character.” I am thinking particularly in the context of D&C 98:10:

Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.

What do you think? Who, in your view, has the noblest character? And why? What concerns might you have towards one (or both) of the candidates in this regard? What questions would you like to ask one (or both) of the candidates in this regard?

Let the games begin …

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