GOP’s Bruce Blakeman admits it’s ‘surreal’ his ex married Paul

Bruce Blakeman has a better claim to “let it be” than most people. The GOP gubernatorial candidate watched Paul McCartney marry his ex-wife, and instead of stewing in it, he shrugs and says the rock legend is a decent guy. That’s not what you expect from modern politics, where even a parking dispute can turn into a culture war. It’s almost refreshing to see a Republican take the high road when the easier, louder option would be to mock a Beatle.

The details make it better. Blakeman calls it “surreal” that Sir Paul is now family, but he’s learned to live with it. The two apparently never talk politics, which is probably wise. Imagine McCartney and Blakeman arguing over tax policy at Thanksgiving. Some things don’t need to be hashed out, and that’s a lesson more people could use. There’s no bitterness here, no attempt to turn a personal matter into a campaign stunt. Just a grown man who knows what’s worth his energy.

Blakeman can’t control who his ex married, but he can control how he carries it. That’s the definition of character, and it’s a quiet reminder that winning an election isn’t the only measure of a man. In a party that gets caricatured as angry and resentful, here’s a conservative handling an awkward situation with grace and a little humor. That’s a good look, and it costs nothing.

Whether he becomes governor or not, this is a small moment that says a lot. He’s not letting a pop culture footnote define his campaign or his mood. He’s got a state to run. And if he can stay above this kind of thing, maybe he’ll do fine with the bigger stuff.