What\u2019s with all the bad candidates?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sorry. That sounds harsher than I intend it to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m not trying to be disrespectful. I simply don\u2019t believe all people were created to do all things. Hence, not everyone is called to run for elected office. And judging by some of the candidates who continue to emerge, it seems clear that many people have never seriously contemplated that possibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An elected public servant should be humble and others-focused, guided by a genuine commitment to serve rather than to be served. They should be rational rather than erratic, able to separate facts from feelings so their decisions are grounded in reality rather than impulse. Strong communication skills matter \u2014 not necessarily eloquence \u2014 along with discernment, basic manners, and a consistently respectful approach to colleagues and constituents alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They should possess solid financial and business acumen, love the state or institution they represent, and understand both its needs and its limitations. A good leader knows when to speak and when to remain silent, is willing to admit what they do not know \u2014 recognizing they can’t know everything \u2014 and remains always open to learning. Above all, politically, they should strive to be nonpartisan in judgment, able to disagree without becoming disagreeable, and committed to the common good over personal, financial, political or political party gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ok. Sure. That may sound idealistic, but my strong sense is these are reasonable expectations for people seeking positions of extraordinary responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And yet, as we review the resumes of candidates across the country \u2014 meaning these are not hypothetical \u2014 people currently seeking public office include persons who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those same candidates have also been sadly frequent and fluent in their derogatory comments, specifically making disparaging remarks about LGBTQ+ individuals, rural residents, white Americans, and victims of sexual assault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, of course, derogatory comments about anyone who doesn’t support their candidacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me be clear: the above list is sadly an equal compilation of current Democrat and Republican behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So let’s return to this idea of bad candidates. Again, my intent is not to be disrespectful. I simply think many of the wrong people are running for office. Perhaps more so, I think we’ve become far too willing to accept them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It leaves me with three primary thoughts…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, our recent presidents\u2014regardless of party\u2014have demonstrated significant deficiencies in either character, competence, or both. As a result, the bar has been obviously lowered. What once would have been disqualifying now barely registers. Behaviors that would have ended political careers a generation ago are excused, rationalized, or ignored so long as the candidate wears the right jersey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, I wonder whether we\u2014as voters, alongside the media and the money that fuels modern politics\u2014have made public service so unattractive that many of the best candidates simply stay away. Why would a person of integrity, humility, and admirable selflessness willingly subject themselves and their family to the spectacle politics has become? The constant outrage, endless scrutiny, personal attacks, and tribal warfare often seem designed to repel exactly the kind of people we most need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And third, a lot of people have yet to realize that they were not created to do all things. Ambition is not qualification. Desire is not calling. Confidence is not competence. Wanting power does not mean one should have it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps the more troubling question is not why so many questionable candidates keep running, but rather: why do so many of us keep rewarding them? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not being “the other guy” is not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Until we start expecting more from our leaders \u2014 more character, competence, humility, and honesty \u2014 we are likely to continually find ourselves dissatisfied with the options available, as ultimately, politicians rise or fall to the level that we are willing to tolerate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Respectfully,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What\u2019s with all the bad candidates? Sorry. That sounds harsher than I intend it to. I\u2019m not trying to be disrespectful. I simply don\u2019t believe all people were created to do all things. Hence, not everyone is called to run for elected office. And judging by some of the candidates who continue to emerge, it … <\/p>\n