Does the chameleon have a natural or true color? Do people running for public office? The voter can be forgiven for claiming frustration. And it is therefore not only surprising but fortunate, when a Senate candidate lets what appears to be a true feeling or view escape the talking points and consumer-tested persona.
When you let slip that you find amusing that 50 year old women should have an interest in abortions, you betray a fundamental difference between yourself and what I regard as an admirable person. New Testament faith holds together only when we accept the belief that we must advocate for others, and not just ourselves. I’m a White Man and therefore is it laughable that I advocate for voting rights for Black men and women? Or fight in wars for the freedom of others?
Know this one difference in a candidate for office, the difference between those that ask “what’s in it for me,” and those that see their government as serving the interests of all citizens, and my vote is clear. But without a “slip” it is hard to determine that difference.
The power of government in the hands of the truly selfish has been a stain on human history and will continue to be a chamber of horrors.
Oh yes, I know that “good” people can come to different policy conclusions than me. I will vote for them regardless, if their opponents are only “for themselves, or their group.” My policy opinions, after all, represent my human failings, not some absolute truth.
And while I’m at it, I think I would extend that electoral fear, the danger of electing a certain kind of candidate, to include those who have lost their human-side and follow dogmatically rigid ideological theories. They will do only what is indicated, commanded, by the theory, and not confront the needs of those who might suffer from such policies.
Back to the Senate candidate. I admit I’m out on a limb here. Am I right to read so much into a casual throwaway line at the end of an interview? I don’t think I have much of a choice. Today’s candidates are disciplined and careful. We have to take advantage of the moments when they “drop the mask.”
And there are other times available during campaigns when we catch a glimpse of the humanity of a candidate. Much easier by the way in local elections. Another reason to secure a stronger foothold for the role of local government.
I recently read about a study that suggests that many in leadership positions are self selected. And that a lottery system to select leaders randomly would work just as well. What we get are self selected, self serving sufferers of a Dunning-Kruger effect.
The rot starts at the top of the ticket. That candidate said to women “You will be protected, and I will be your protector, Women will be happy, healthy, confident and free. You will no longer be thinking about abortion, that’s all they talk about, abortion, because we have done something nobody else could have done.” I don't even know what to say.
And need I even mention the candidate for governor in my state? They're a bunch of nincompoops who think they know better and think they are better.