As we approach elections, we hear the mantra, “I’m not voting for a pastor but for a president.” As most folks balk at that kind of statement, I believe that assertion carries a weighty truth that warrants consideration. That adage urges prioritizing policies over personalities, recognizing that the substance of a candidate’s proposals carries far greater weight than their persona alone.

Prioritizing Policies over Personalities

We often prioritize the persona and character of political candidates over the substance of their policies and proposals. While character is essential, particularly in leadership and integrity, the crucial factor in assessing a candidate’s suitability lies in the agenda they advocate and the actions they promise to take. It’s not the politician’s character that will leave a lasting impression, but the policies that shape our communities, institutions, and world. That’s why it’s not enough to merely assess a candidate’s likability or charisma; we must interrogate their proposals and assess their alignment with our values and aspirations for society.

It's not the politician's character that will leave a lasting impression, but the policies that shape our communities, institutions, and world. Share on X

Take, for example, the imminent prospect of former President Trump and President Biden vying for the presidency once more. Each evokes a plethora of impressions and associations, both positive and negative. Of course, if it’s our preferred nominee, we shy away from those negative characteristics and highlight the positives.

Assessing Candidates Based on Values and Policies

Too often, we construct an idealized image of the president. You know, someone who looks Presidential. But what does that even mean? What does their personality matter? What good is a good guy (or woman) in a suit (or dress) who champions values contrary to yours?

Shall we vote for someone likable and admirable who is, at a moment’s chance, drastically raise taxes so that we can offer “free” things to everyone? Or go to war with Russia? Or cut all environmental regulations?

So, the crux of electoral decision-making must lie not in the individual’s character per see, but in what they stand for. After all, when we cast our vote, we entrust them to legislate according to our worldview, vision, and beliefs. They will legislate either your wishes or theirs when they’re voted in.

They’re not to be a face of whatever ideal face you wish your politician to have–be that demeanor, age, color, sex, or another desirability. This is not a beauty pageant. You’re voting for someone who holds a variety of views and positions. The big question is, do they share yours?

Our values should guide our approach to evaluating political candidates and their policies. It’s not enough to identify with a candidate on a personal level; we must also consider how their values translate into concrete policy proposals. For example, if we value charity and justice, we should support candidates who advocate for policies that promote them. By analyzing the real-world implications of a candidate’s values, we can make more informed decisions about whom to support and vote for in elections.

Transcending the Cult of Personality

Idealizing political candidates can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment. No politician is perfect, and it’s essential to acknowledge their flaws and limitations. Instead of creating an idealized image of a candidate, we should focus on their track record and proposals.

In an ideal scenario—though rare in our imperfect reality—a political leader would embody virtues such as courage, wisdom, moderation, and justice. And they’d champion all that we commonly wish. However, such ideals seldom materialize consistently in political leadership. Hence, while it’s natural to desire politicians with commendable qualities, we must not allow their less admirable characteristics to deter us from supporting them if they stand for principles we deem important.

For people of the Christian faith, we commonly agree with many virtues and values. For example, charity, grace, kindness, humility, purity, honesty, modesty, patience, peace, wisdom, self-control, courage, and justice. With politicians, we tend to place those virtues and values onto the individual rather than the policies they support. Partly because we don’t know how they function in political policies, so we begin with the individual, thinking that if you get a good person, you’ll beget good policies. But that doesn’t always happen, nor does it work that way.

When selecting a candidate, it’s crucial to prioritize representation over personal admiration. Our elected officials serve as representatives of the people, advocating for our interests and values. Therefore, it’s more important to consider how well a candidate aligns with our beliefs and priorities rather than how likable or admirable they may seem.

Because the individual is a representative of you, standing on your behalf, you need to shift from placing those admirable qualities onto the individual and instead consider the values you want your representative to support. By choosing candidates who truly represent us, we ensure our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed.

By choosing candidates who truly represent us, we ensure our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed. Share on X

According to those Christian values above, how would you want your representative to legislate the various socio-political issues such as healthcare? And before you answer, wrestle through it, asking questions of whether it is “charitable,” “honest,” or “just.” More than the patients, consider the employees, the cost of doing business, how to keep it running, investors, taxpayers, and other stakeholders. And do the same with immigration, crime, environment, and all the other issues people deal with.

Once you have wrestled with those issues through the lens of your values and Christian virtues, then begin conversing with others who share similar beliefs about it. Through personal reflection and thoughtful conversations, you’ll better find your position. Doing this will assist you in supporting a candidate who supports your wishes.

Conclusion

The quest for political leadership requires transcending the cult of personality. By anchoring electoral decisions in ethical imperatives and ideological alignment, you can feel better about who you voted for and explain to others why you did so. So, let’s not get so hung up on choosing the nice guy because he might end up ruining our world.