WASHINGTON — In an election year notable for its incivility, Allegheny College is recognizing two prominent partisans with its Prize for Civility in Public Life.

Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., argue passionately but civilly for their opposing beliefs, college president James H. Mullen told about 150 students, alumni and school supporters at the University Club of Washington, D.C., Tuesday.

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge presented the award, offering examples of civility shown by Mr. Biden and Mr. McCain.

During a heated 2008 campaign event, Mr. McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, corrected a supporter who publicly called then-Sen. Barack Obama “un-American.”
 Mr. Ridge recalled Mr. McCain’s reaction this way: “‘No, ma’am,’ he said, taking back the microphone. ‘He’s a fine family man that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that’s what this campaign is all about.’”

Mr. Ridge also recalled that the vice president demonstrated civility when he paused during a speech last year to remind fellow Democrats that the GOP may be the opposition but it is not the enemy.

Both recipients demonstrate the kind of honor, respect, dignity and civility that is sorely missing from politics this campaign cycle, said Mr. Ridge, the country’s first director of homeland security.

“We mustn’t relegate ourselves only to complain or to lament the absence of civility. Allegheny College and our country must celebrate it when we see it, and hopefully inspire young people to emulate it every chance they have,” he said.

For their part, Mr. McCain and Mr. Biden praised each other.

The senator praised the vice president for the way he has treated staff — including Mr. McCain himself after he returned from nearly dying as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and was assigned as a Navy liaison to the U.S. Senate, a job that sometimes involved carrying Mr. Biden’s luggage.

“By God, I still resent it,” joked Mr. McCain, who also showed mock resentment for his 2008 loss to Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden.

“He treats staff as people with dignity equal to his own, and that’s the essence of real humility,” Mr. McCain said.

“Technically, John McCain worked for me, but John McCain came home a war hero,” Mr. Biden said. “Here was this captain in uniform unable to straighten his right arm, fresh from solitary confinement. He became both my mentor and my confidant.”

Still, their ideologies could hardly differ more.
 “John McCain and I disagree strenuously but never question the other guy’s motive,” Mr. Biden said.

“It would be so easy to take advantage of each other because we know each other so well, but we don’t because the bottom line is there is no way to function unless we can reach consensus,” he said. “Too often [politicians] lack empathy and mutual respect … but we can do better. We can behave with humility.”

Allegheny College created the civility prize in 2011. Past recipients are journalists David Brooks and Mark Shields; Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; and the women of the U.S. Senate who banded together to help end a government shutdown in 2014.

Last year, the college recognized a moment rather than individuals. The presentation paid tribute to former Montgomery, Ala., police Chief Kevin Murphy’s gesture in 2013 when he removed his badge and handed it to U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., as a symbol of contrition for his department’s treatment of Mr. Lewis and other civil rights activists in 1961.

Recipients are chosen by a committee of university trustees, faculty members and students, along with community leaders, Mr. Mullen said in an interview after the ceremony.

The need for the prize is greater than ever because of the tone of public discourse during the 2016 election cycle, he said.

“In recognizing those who fight the good fight with passion and conviction and civility, we can remind young people that there is a better way,” he said.

“The work of our democracy can be carried out with respect for fellow Americans, a respect that should transcend either party or personal interest. Never has the purpose of the prize been more important.”

Allegheny College, in Meadville, Pa., is one of the nation’s oldest liberal arts colleges and is home to the Center for Political Participation, which works to encourage political participation of young people by fostering an appreciation for the link between engaged citizenry and healthy democracy.

Washington Bureau Chief Tracie Mauriello: tmauriello@post-gazette.com, 703-996-9292 or on Twitter @pgPoliTweets.

First Published: June 8, 2016, 4:00 a.m.