" I guess I long for a kindler, gentler age when truth was more than talking points, and civility was more than just good manners."
The campaigns of the past were far more acrimonious. Take heart though. America even managed to hold elections during the worst time of our history: The Civil War.
Amen! Most don't realize that because they don't read history. But, you are absolutely correct. Most complain about the negativity of recent elections. But, we've had some rhetoric in the past that makes this election pale by comparison.