Generic political thoughts only, please

[Randi]

I, too, am getting tired of all the TV political ads. So I got to thinking:

Why does anyone want to run for office?

If there are any skeletons no matter how small, in your past, the opposing candidate will find it and drag it out for all to see, hear and speculate about.

It is very expensive to be a candidate.

No matter how terrific your ideas sound before you take office, once elected how often do these ideas become realities? Not for lack of trying, but because of all the back room "negotiating".

And sometimes your colleagues turn out to be not the kind of people you want to be associating with....but is there anyone you can trust?

What are your thoughts? Please keep it generic, no names of actual candidates. Lets keep it to a discussion of ideas, and not a debate about individuals. Thanks.

 

[All American]

I'd love to be a fly on the politicians' walls and see what really goes on behind closed doors.

I don't know if that is what you're looking for, but it sure is how I feel.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

I think in many cases it's a combination of people that are idealistic and egotistical.

 

[Uncle Remus]

I'm gettin' all kinds of mail for candidates.
Funny thing is one guy's attack on the other
made me realize...the other guy is a better candidate

 

[Charade]

Part of the problem besides the attacks is the incredible amount of misinformation and outright lies. From both sides. I doubt the average person realizes it.

 

[disney junky]

I have come to the conclusion that what politicians do best is run for office. That's the only time you seem them or hear from them. Every two or four years, they kick it in gear and run again.

 

[DisneyGirl]

Power. The only reason you can want to be in politics is to want power-- that is the type of people that politics attract.

And, unfortunately, the type of people who want power are the type who would do anything to get it, including lie, cheat and steal.

Democrats claim the republicans are unethical; republicans claim the democrats are unethical. I just think most politicians are unethical.

 

[eclectics]

I, too, am getting tired of all the TV political ads. So I got to thinking:

Why does anyone want to run for office?

If there are any skeletons no matter how small, in your past, the opposing candidate will find it and drag it out for all to see, hear and speculate about.

It is very expensive to be a candidate.

No matter how terrific your ideas sound before you take office, once elected how often do these ideas become realities? Not for lack of trying, but because of all the back room "negotiating".

And sometimes your colleagues turn out to be not the kind of people you want to be associating with....but is there anyone you can trust?

What are your thoughts? Please keep it generic, no names of actual candidates. Lets keep it to a discussion of ideas, and not a debate about individuals. Thanks.

In theory, it's because they want to devote their life to public service. Sadly, I believe nowdays, even if they started out with those feelings, it's only a small minority that are actually able to maintain that lofty ideal throughout their public life.

 

[bicker]

Anyone stupid enough to put themselves and their family through the gauntlet of running for elected office is unfit to serve in such office. We do such a great job dragging candidates through the mud that we effectively eliminate the best and most capable people -- folks who are so well-qualified that they can more readily get a better job with much less invasion of privacy.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Democrats claim the republicans are unethical; republicans claim the democrats are unethical. I just think most politicians are unethical.

I totally agree. I am FED UP to my hair with BOTH parties. I swear they are like 3rd graders on a playground- "you stink!" "Oh, yeah? Well, you stink even more!"

I don't trust either side to do anything more than what will keep them in office and feed their enormous egos.

 

[GeorgeG]

Power. The only reason you can want to be in politics is to want power-- that is the type of people that politics attract.

And, unfortunately, the type of people who want power are the type who would do anything to get it, including lie, cheat and steal.

Democrats claim the republicans are unethical; republicans claim the democrats are unethical. I just think most politicians are unethical.

Add greed and I think this nails it.

While some, probably very few, politicians may actually want to do good, they are probably too good to survive in nasty politics. I think this is a career where nice guys finish last, if at all. Even if you're squeeky clean, they will make something up about you.

Everything will be better when I'm king!