Democracy may be the best form of government, but there is reason to have doubts about the average citizen. It is not just that the typical citizen is woefully ignorant about the Constitution and the workings of government. An even stronger concern is that the voters tend to favor the charismatic figure over the competent, experienced candidate.
Let’s face it. Donald Trump almost won the popular vote in the last election despite being grossly unqualified in terms of experience, understanding, and character. He is still favored by 43% of the electorate. I am convinced that the strongest reason his supporters back him is that they feel he connects with them.
Democrats gambled and elected Barack Obama because of his charisma and intellect despite his lack of experience. He had his flaws, but Democrats won that gamble. In her Saturday column, Peggy Noonan suggests that citizens have voted for Donald Trump and Barack Obama as if they were magic ponies. She suggests that Beto O’Rourke may be the next magic pony.
Being President is a complicated, taxing, intellectually demanding job; it requires maturity, moral fortitude, and spiritual toughness; it demands interpersonal skills of the highest order and a commitment to human flourishing with a sense of what will further that flourishing; and it requires a deep understanding of the ways that government works together with the politics of Washington. Surely, one important qualification for the position is past political accomplishment. Unfortunately, the candidate who will entertain us the most or even inspire us the most may not make the best President or even a good one.
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