It was decided that, instead of one party nominating one of its own members to run for election, one party would nominate the person in the opposing party in whom they had the most confidence. So, instead of looking at an opponent's flaws or things about them that were disturbing or frightening, they were looking for the best qualities. The party of the Romans finally nominated Numa, a Sabine farmer. The Sabines approved greatly of this and, as one might expect, a degree of confidence in the decision making of opponents was increased. With party politics as usual just the opposite happens.
Distortions work better when negatives have currency in making a choice.
Our constitution actually provides for the kind of choice that worked so well for the Romans and Sabines nearly thirty centuries ago. Although we complain often about the Electoral College, which actually chooses the President and Vice President, it could work very differently and more to our satisfaction. For example, I have confidence in Ralph Monroe, who has long served our state, is very fair, and informed. Most importantly, he knows how our state's government has served well in the past. If he and others in the other states could be chosen as uncommited members of the Electoral College, there would be a selection of a President without the kind of campaigns we endure now with all the negatives and distortions.