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Like most of the country, I watched the presidential debate last week. And, also like much of the country, my mind didn’t get changed at the end of the night.

What I saw were two men who showed little decorum and had little success in staying on the subject.

Like many Americans, I have already made up my mind on who will get my vote in the November 3 presidential election.

Also, like many Americans, I have decided how I feel about each of the candidates who’s names will be on the ballot.

Watching debates has always been enjoyable for me. I take every opportunity I can to see what each candidate stands for on subjects that matter to me.

I have said it before, and I’ll say it again. I have never decided who I will vote for based on party affiliation.

I have voted for Republicans and Democrats alike based on how they represented themselves on subjects that will have an impact on my life and the lives of those I love.

My reason for jumping across party lines is to make sure that I vote for the person I feel will do the best job in office.

Most of the votes I have cast for those in a party other than the one I am a registered member of have been cast because I know the person, their personality and sometimes I know their heart based on their actions in and out of office.

That, of course, can only be true in local elections of city and county government. Get past our county lines, and I really don’t know the candidates very well, if at all. I have to rely on their commercials, their speeches and even who endorses them to help me make up my mind.

The presidential election falls into that category as well. I have to rely on their actions, in and out of office, and take their word at face value as they speak to the American people.

Last Tuesday’s debate between Trump and Biden was more of an entertainment presentation than it was a debate. Sure, they talked about some important subjects, but did we really hear anything new?

From all the talking over each other to name calling, the debate was almost comical.

What a shame.

When we have so much at stake in this country, it would have been better if those two had made a little more effort to show some grace and style while addressing the very people who would decide the next four years of your life.

When I watch the circus, I enjoy the animal tamers, the high-wire acts and even enjoy the clowns.

After watching what most certainly was a circus last week, I’ve decided I’ll stick to the kind you have to pay admission to see all the crazy acts.