Political rhetoric

As we move into the political campaign season, with all its political rhetoric, it’s worth remembering some basic truths:

1. Politicians get elected by telling voters what they want to hear, not what is true.

2. Politicians get elected by reinforcing the myths and prejudices voters already believe in, not by showing them that their myths and prejudices are false -- indeed, they may well share those myths and prejudices.

3. Politicians get elected by addressing the issues voters happen to care about at the moment, not the issues that will affect voters most in the long run.

4. Politicians get elected by promising decisive action to fix problems, not by admitting that no one really knows how to fix those problems.

5. Politicians get elected by simplifying complex issues down to catchy tag lines, not by explaining the real complexity of issues (and most important issues are very complex indeed).

6. Politicians get elected by emphasizing what they are going to give voters, not what it will cost the voters.

7. Politicians get elected by looking competent, not by being competent – image is everything.

8. Politicians get elected by appealing to voter’s emotions, not to their rationality.

9. Politicians know that more people vote against a candidate than for their opponent. That’s why attack ads and negative campaigns work so well.

10. Successful politicians are good at getting elected, which is an entirely different skill set than that required to run a government effectively.

If you think that I am overly cynical. I can only suggest you watch the upcoming campaign with an open mind and judge for yourself.