This debate with President Donald Trump in June was the beginning to the end of President Joe Biden’s run for a second term. AP file photo

CORRECTION: This commentary has been updated to note a debate in the Congressional race.

Chautauqua County’s race for the second Family Court judge one decade ago is an example of how political campaigns have evolved in a relatively short period of time. During 2014, four candidates worked tirelessly from the summer through November in the hopes of securing the newly created position.

They participated in primary races that were previously held in September. All took part in community events, which continues to be an important practice today. Most importantly, the candidates would face-off in person with the challengers, knowing the importance of distinguishing their views from their opponents.

In that election, which incumbent Judge Jeffrey Piazza won against Michael Sullivan, Sally Jarozynski and James Spann, debates were expected to be an important facet of the campaigns. Those events were held at our newspapers and at north and south county venues through the League of Women Voters Chautauqua County chapter. They also, in some cases, did debating on the radio.

Every avenue, especially in the four-way race, was covered to reach the largest group of potential voters. It was a way to give all candidates a voice and platform.

Today, the landscape has become more volatile and treacherous. It is a sign that political discourse, once respected despite the differences of opinion, has lost its way. Social media is one factor in what has become a new landscape. Lack of tolerance for opposing views is another.

What was once a two-way street of communication has become tunnel vision.

That may be the biggest reason for the division that is apparent throughout the nation and New York state as some of the area races never even had a fair starting line. Family Court this year certainly falls into that category.

In a show of party dominance, when county Republicans tapped Peter Johnson to succeed Piazza in early March as its candidate the drama ended before it began. It was essentially no contest even though Jaroszynski is putting up a fight through signs and advertisements as the Working Families candidate. Though her name is on the ballot, it’s a tough lift without the major party endorsements.

Candidate Tom Carle’s in a similar situation. He deserves credit for making the rounds across an 11-county District 23 as the Democrat facing current U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy. Not only does the incumbent have the name recognition gained by previously serving as state Republican chair, he has local roots as a Pine Valley Central School graduate and Chautauqua County native. This campaign has included one debate on an Elmira TV station in October between the candidates and little publicity since Langworthy’s coffers are overflowing when compared to those of Carle.

Prominent Republicans also are going unchallenged. County District Attorney Jason Schmidt and state Sen. George Borrello for District 57 have no opponents.

Only one county race has been front and center, that’s the one for State Assembly District 150 between Andrew Molitor and Michael Bobseine. Both candidates have been succinct in where they stand on the hot-button issues that include Proposal One, the wetlands legislation and education.

Molitor and Bobseine also took part in something no other area candidates did: they gathered for a debate to voice their views to the voters. The event was sponsored by WRFA radio in Jamestown and included The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and WJTN radio.

Previous debates that were sponsored by the county League of Women Voters often included attendees sitting throughout the venue whether it was the Robert H. Jackson Center or the Fredonia Opera House. At the WRFA debate, the lines were clearly drawn. Those backing Molitor were on one side, with Bobseine supporters on the other side.

Taking away the crowd factor, debates continue to bring significance to a race. Nationally, President Joe Biden’s performance against Donald Trump in late June led to his backing away from seeking a second term. Ronald Reagan’s quips when challenging Walter Mondale in 1984 or President Jimmy Carter in 1980 were both comedic and legendary.

This era of American politics, however, has become too nasty and vicious. Those characteristics are not something we can blame on the two-party system or those who are running for office.

It is happening because our society is accepting of it. In the end, that is a reflection on us all.

John D’Agostino is the editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.