Who Is That Candidate Really?: Essays on the Character of Politicians

The long-standing practice of political campaigns mostly ignoring any examination of the character of candidates has shown itself to be sometimes nearly catastrophic. People filling top government positions for which they are not specifically qualified cause considerable confusion, deep personal damage, and even global crises. Professional athletes, symphony musicians, and university professors all require careful scrutiny of their fitness for the role before employment. The US Congress and presidency do not. This book boldly presents background information and describes skills to fill that incredible gap in our government. Top politicians need specific knowledge, ingrained honesty, broad empathic understanding of diverse citizens, an observable measure of courage, and a fierce dedication to the common good of humanity, among other personality characteristics, to adequately implement their role in society. Using the language of virtue developed in several countries episodically over the past three thousand years, the essays of this book lead voters to know what to look for in candidates and how to engage, even confront, potential politicians about their character. Reading it will deepen voters' familiarity with who a given candidate is at their core before electing them.