What makes a candidate electable?

[Eomund]

Final-Fan said:

Eomund said:

This is my first thread, so please don't be too harsh. Here goes.

Ok, so I was just wondering what makes a person electable to public office?

I am looking for personal views and nothing too much more. Just curious is all... I'll start.

I want to see in the candidate:

1. Honesty.

2. Strong Principled Leadership.

3. Big Ideas.

4. Values that match my own.

 

I want to see these qualities in that that order as well.

You wish. Electability is determined by money, media exposure, and popularity, in that order.

But in Happy Dream Land, I would like:
1. Good Ideas
2. Dedication to the Good Ideas
3. Ability to turn the Good Ideas into policy and law

The reason I think the Republicans are so destructive is that they have the dedication and the ability, but very very bad ideas. Ron Paul has a lot more integrity than the GOP, but his ideas (though different) are just as bad.

Democrats have the good ideas (though far from 100%, of course), and some dedication, but show few signs of the ability to do anything with it. Still, I think they're a lot more likely to grow spines than the Republicans are to grow decent policy. [edit: And if they don't, do-nothings are better than enthusiastic screwups.]

Actually you are right on this bolded issue. I say that because most people in America do not look at a person's record and principle foundation. There are a number of reasons why, but here a few: People are more interested in Pop Culture than in the future of the country. People, while not stupid, are mostly ignorant. People are not educated properly while in school. People are not taught to learn about things on their own.

I believe "Electability is determined by money, media exposure, and popularity, in that order" is true, for about half of America, and probably more than half of the world. Getting your name out there and recognition and appeal based solely on your name is very important. But my friends this shouldn't be the case!

/le sigh

 And did you really have to take a swipe at me and at the Republican Party? This wasn't about any particular party affiliation or group. sheesh... so partisan.