Every four years, a wave of patriotism takes hold of our nation and forces us to reconsider what it means to be an American. Skilled competitors perform on the world stage. It is a spectacle so large it permeates every aspect of public discourse. Winners and losers are declared. Victories are sometimes achieved by the most subjective of standards. Ultimately, it’s not about who takes home the gold, but who holds the power.
That’s right, ladies and gentlemen: it’s presidential election season. (What did you think I was talking about?) This year, we are guaranteed front-row seats to the greatest exhibition of mental gymnastics the world has ever seen.
But for which candidate should Americans cheer?
On one side, we have a convicted felon who was legally found to have been involved in a scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election by making hush money payments to a porn star with whom he had an affair, all while courting the religious right. He also gold-medaled in the judicial all-around division after receiving an $83.3 million verdict against him for defaming a woman who accused him of rape and earning another $355 million (plus interest) penalty in a civil fraud case.
These are impressive deeds for anyone, but more so for a man who, at 78, would be the oldest president to take the oath of office with a parade of legal woes still lingering over his head.
On the other hand, we have a woman of Black and Indian ancestry.
Perish the thought.
Even if Republicans could overlook the controversy surrounding Kamala Harris’ race, it would still be challenging for “law and order” conservatives to support a tough prosecutor who became California’s Attorney General and has repeatedly proven herself—not only as a skilled speaker but also as a senator and vice president who has consistently shattered glass ceilings.
Whom to choose? What sort of rubric could help guide the decisions of Americans this fall? My controversial opinion is that character has always been, is now, and will always be the most important qualification for our political leaders.
The success of a political campaign usually depends on candidates emphasizing a particular situation or characteristic to consider when connecting with voters through their policy platforms.
One of the better examples in modern electoral history came from political strategist, James Carville, who famously opined, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Carville’s wisdom paid off.
Today many political pundits have catechized his wisdom to gain insight into the minds of American voters.
However, we are in a much different place than 30 years ago. This era of American politics is defined by more abstract ideals—namely, a tug-of-war between the importance of character and the prevalence of culture war.
Which should we endorse as our priority? In the spirit of James Carville, “It’s character, stupid.”
As an attorney and co-owner of a legal practice, I’ve worked with and mentored many attorneys. Our alumni include prosecutors, judges and law professors. Yet, in 18 years of practice, I have never asked a candidate for their transcripts. Experience has proven that anyone can be taught to do a job, but character can’t be trained.
And in the administration of justice, character is the most critical qualification for our work. How much more for the leader of our nation?
As we reflect upon an age of politics that was less caustic than our own, there is great irony in the party peddling nationalistic nostalgia forgetting how far our standards have dropped.
At 40-mumble years old, I’m old enough to recall when political scandals ended one’s career. Gone are the days when public outcry deemed that politicians caught in adultery were disqualified from leading.
Similarly forgotten is the era when racist, bigoted, misogynistic, ableist or crass comments caught on camera would lead embarrassed statespersons to resign from office with tails tucked between their legs.
Instead, a loud plurality of voters seems content operating within a post-virtue paradigm wherein their spokespersons can say and do nearly anything with impunity. After all, when you’re a celebrity, they let you do it.
So, where does this leave American voters?
We are undoubtedly in uncharted territory. However, it is not the first time we have been so. Those moments when America has proven itself most admirable and capable were when our moral compass was correctly calibrated. When we choose to operate with character and decorum, we consistently find our way.
Only representatives whose moral compass is well-adjusted can lead the nation correctly.
It’s still character, stupid.
Accomplished attorney and author, dedicated to fighting for justice in his practice at Callahan & King, PLLC in Waco, Texas. Robert’s book, FIRE IN THE WHOLE: Embracing Our Righteous Anger with White Christianity and Reclaiming Our Wholeness, tackles spiritual abuse via the church’s complicity with racism, patriarchy, and bigotry while encouraging survivors that their anger is justified and the path to healing does exist (Westminster John Knox Press, September 24, 2024).
