Campaign promises are lofty ideals of the best case scenario, delivered to a particular constituency, to win an election. The campaign requires promises to win enough votes to beat the next most successful candidate, not win the hearts of the populous.
The elected candidate cannot deliver on all promises; either good or bad. Winning an election and competent governance are two different skill sets.
President Harry S. Truman said, "I’m proud that I’m a politician. A politician is a man who understands government, and it takes a politician to run a government. A statesman is a politician who's been dead ten or fifteen years."
Candidate, elected politician, and statesman are the three phases of elected office. Per Truman's definition, only after pushing up daisies will the history books anoint a statesman. Rarely will the title of statesman be bestowed upon the official.
What do you expect from those that carried the election?
The US Marine Corps imbues fourteen leadership traits in preparation for battle; justice, judgment, dependability, integrity, decisiveness, tact, initiative, endurance, bearing, unselfishness, courage, knowledge, loyalty, and enthusiasm. This list seems like a good place to start for any official.
What other traits do you add?
I hold leaders to a high standard, but no longer force a pedestal under their toes. I am too aware of my failure to achieve perfection and disappointed by those I have worshiped. We all have clay feet.
Going Further: How do you right-size your expectations of those we elect? What officials failed you? Who lived up to your expectations and what set them apart? What is one fear you have from this election? What is one hope you have from those elected?
