There is more than enough to learn about the world of politics by simply observing what is happening in America, as Republicans and Democrats have become entangled in perhaps one of the most bizarre, perplexing and bitter encounters in the nation’s history as the time draws near to elect a new president to replace the outgoing Barack Obama.

The tone of the atmosphere is supercharged with anxiety, especially with massive divisions over who would be best suited to fill that powerful chair in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington.

For months, the world press have tried to keep pace with some of the most vicious and nasty attacks and counterattacks, that have left veteran political observers wondering where this is all heading.

The democratic process allows for free speech, but some of the exchanges between candidates vying for the highest office in the land have fallen so far beneath expected standards that some observers have called into question the very state of American culture. In other words, there is a growing number of Americans who are far from happy over the never-ending, demeaning tactics that do little to enhance qualities that many hold as pillars of the nation’s cultural foundation.

Both candidates chosen to represent their respective political parties — Donald Trump for the Republicans and Hillary Clinton for the Democrats — are riding huge waves of criticism over various issues, even though both enjoy solid support from their followers, as the nation struggles to get a clear reading that would indicate which candidate seems likely to get the nod when the electorate moves behind the curtain in that small cubicle in November.

Large and small countries that embrace democratic principles can learn a great deal from observing how badly chosen words, or actions that raise questions about trust and credibility, can hang like a stationary dark cloud that is not able to blot out the light of public scrutiny.

Trump has managed to defy odds that he would be history going up against seasoned politicians, and after many stormy episodes of bashing opponents, often using remarks that few politicians would have survived, he continues to remain in the spotlight.

Clinton, who has enjoyed strong national support and remains a strong contender for the presidency, is not having the easiest time trying to shake off lingering questions about her use of personal e-mail while serving as Secretary of State, creating what critics claim was a practice that endangered classified information.

Although she has denied knowingly sending out classified data, after an extensive investigation by the FBI, it was determined that nothing was found that would justify charges of breaking the law. However, the FBI also pointed out that her department was extremely careless in how it dealt with information that was later deemed classified.

Her accomplishments while serving in the political arena are many, but the electorate must decide whether that e-mail blunder, which she admits was a mistake, will affect her path to the White House.

On the other hand, Trump has had so many stumbles with his tongue during his campaign run that even top GOP officials are squirming in their seats, wondering how the party is being perceived, as some long-serving supporters have openly thrown their GOP membership cards in the bin. Of course, in the political arena, it is never an easy ride for even the most qualified and respected citizen.

The greatest lesson out of all this is that people who offer themselves to be public servants must be willing to think deeply before making statements that could promote division, and it is also essential to check closets for anything that could potentially damage credibility if disclosed.

No one is perfect and mistakes occur in everyone’s life. However, in the political arena, the public light of scrutiny burns constantly and no politician, irrespective of social or financial status, can escape its glare. Our politicians should keep this in mind as we slowly head in the direction of another General Election.

The people want key principles such as honesty, integrity, decency and respect to be held as the highest principles. As long as politicians in free countries uphold those values, democracy will remain alive and well.