In all of the hustle and bustle of a presidential campaign, or any campaign for that matter, the voters usually get 30-second commercials, sound bites from the news media and nasty mailers the weeks leading up to Election Day.

In the middle of the noise and chaos, the actual candidate usually gets lost, and in most movies about politics, the candidate at some point predictably says, “I don’t know who I am anymore.” This, unfortunately, is a reality of our modern day politics.

However, there are rare moments when the candidate’s actual persona has a chance to shine through to the voters, and we get a glimpse into his or her personality, temper and intelligence. These moments are debates.

Despite the candidates being prepped for days and sometimes weeks, when the microphones are turned on and the moderator asks the first question, it is just the two candidates and the people.

In this brief period of time the two candidates square off to debate the most pressing issues of the moment. It gives most political consultants heartache because every other part of a candidate’s campaign is scripted, tested and handled. As many candidates will attest, all the prepping doesn’t prevent one’s personality and inner person from showing up when challenged by an opposing candidate or unfair moderator.

The first of three presidential debates is tonight. I challenge each of you to watch carefully as two men walk up to the podium and debate one another’s entire political careers, personal backgrounds and policy positions. These debates aren’t simply domestically important. Many international leaders and citizens will also listen intently to learn the nuance statements that provide glaring insight into the candidate’s true intentions.

So tonight, watch history being made as the next president of the United States — one of them is going to win — shows us how he handles pressure, maneuvers tough policy positions and speaks to America and the world.

The last bite…

Last week was my birthday, and at my party we had some amazing food, and great music provided by The Yat Pack. However, the highlight of the entire evening was the massive and absolutely stunning birthday cake made by my sister and Mary. The three-layer cake towered 2 feet high and boasted a red, white and blue layer each covered in white stars dusted with gold. I give Bridget and Mary’s all-American cake 5 (out of 5) crumbs!

Buddy Boe, a resident of Garyville, owns a public relations and program management company and is well known on the local political (and food) scenes. His column appears Wednesdays in L’Observateur.