Politics - Hired or Fired?

 

 

"I really, really like that person! (I think...)"

I went to an "event" last night, for one of the candidates running for re-election in my district. It was done fine, and there was no "sniping" or tawdry behavior shown. On the way home, the event gave me pause to think. Other than just "branding", how do we choose candidates? How do we know whom to hire, and how do we decide whom needs to be fired?

My thinking goes back to when I was a junior officer in the Navy. When preparing information for annual fitness report, we were counseled to make ourselves not sound like a "pack runner" - make the fitness report sound like there was something very special about you. The same is true for politics. If you are running for office, trying to unseat an incumbent, a clear a convincing picture needs to be painted on why you should be hired, and the incumbent be fired.

When on the outside looking in, the road is always steep. Unless the incumbent has violated the oath of office, gone "off the reservation", or done something incredibly stupid, the odds are always stacked in the incumbent's favor.

What I like to see the challenger do at any forum, is first thank the incumbent for his or her service. Even though we may differ politically or philosophically, public service takes a toll on a person's time, family, and sometimes finances. Second, be very specific on why votes cast by the incumbent were not in alignment with how the district feels. Living in a Representative Democracy, we expect our representatives to represent our views in either St. Paul or Washington. Third, the challenger needs to explain clearly (not government speak, but common English), what he or she would do different. Failure to do these three items greatly reduces the need for a change in representation.

By the same token, if an incumbent is running for re-election, be prepared to justify every vote or stance taken since the last election. If a vote taken was antithetical to the culture or views of the electorate represented, a compelling case on "why" needs to be explained to the people who hired you. Any viable challenger should be treated with respect and decorum.

One more thing - the electorate itself. Rush as talked about the problem with the "low information voter". That term offends some, but I believe it to be true. In fact, we not only have "low information voters", we also have "no information voters". Be informed on the issues from honest brokers of information (hint: not the Star Tribune or Channel 4). Know the rudiments of our Constitution. KNOW WHAT DISTRICT YOU LIVE IN! I have been amazed by the number of people I have talked to who do not know their state senators or representatives. You can't bitch about the outcome if you don't know who you are voting for.

Those are just some thoughts from last night. After the endorsing convention, I am sure to have more. As was said in the 2000 presidential election, "Make every vote count!" Today, that saying could not be more true.