Around the world in democratic jurisdictions, political campaigns by various groups to retain or gain power can be clouded by hidden agendas, with so many twists and turns, that the average citizen begins to wonder if transparency and truth is no longer relevant, in a world where only the powerful call the shots in determining what is good or bad for the people.

In America, even some of the best political observers in the business are wrestling with what is happening in the race for the White House, as Republicans and Democrats are embroiled in one of the most contentious political battles in a nation with enough issues to test even the wisdom of King Solomon.

Despite the many debates between candidates from both parties vying for the highest office in the land, many Americans, along with international observers, remain baffled over the amount of support Donald Trump has generated, irrespective of the rash and demeaning remarks he has made throughout his campaign.

Somehow Trump has managed to appeal to those Americans who have not been satisfied with Washington and are prepared for change no matter what.

In a contest that at times has the flavour of a reality TV special, a number of candidates have fallen victim to bitter exchanges that often had nothing to do with policy agendas and support dwindled to a point where it crumbled, leaving a narrow field between the GOP and the Democrats with not too much change in the campaign tone.

What is even more startling is that the GOP seems to be in a state of shock over the Trump political bulldozer that has shaken the party to a point where efforts are under way to prevent him from securing the nomination, even though voters have kept him in the front-runner position.

Of course, the plot thickens when the nomination process hinges on the votes of delegates, which is confusing, because they in fact make the final choice. It is a complicated system not easily understood, but has been a practice for many years and rules are rules even when perceived as unfair.

It is no secret that with Trump’s unpredictable temperament, and what many feel is a lack of international diplomacy, the bar of concern is raised considerably when it comes to dealing with nations that consider America the enemy such as North Korea and Iran, along with terrorists groups including Isis that openly target the US.

Most Americans want to know that whoever is in the White House will not be driven by some impulse to engage in military action to solve problems before every diplomatic endeavour has been exhausted.

After experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan with many American lives lost, the American people are somewhat wary of plunging into fresh conflicts in distant lands, where getting out becomes an even bigger problem.

History connects America and Bermuda and the island is proud of this long relationship and hopes it will continue. Choosing the next president is an American issue, and it is hoped that when the final vote is cast in the General Election the person chosen, whether it is Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders or anyone else, the nation could begin to heal from nasty degrading remarks that do nothing to help the needs of the people.

The biggest lesson from all of this is that politicians in free societies should always keep respect and decency above political ambitions in their quest to serve. It may not be easy, but history will always show who was willing to carry the banner of honour and dignity while holding office. All of our politicians should keep that in mind while serving the people.