Publius is very frank in Federalist #1. He states that he does not plan to appear deliberative or “undecided” in proposing this paradigm-shifting constitution. Instead, he writes that he will make a clear case for his beliefs.
This integrity of thought and announcement casts a dark shadow over today’s politicians. Today, we find politicians who desperately want to “please” everyone. We find the left and right trying to “shade” or “touch up the gray” in their conduct and oratory. Trite phrases such as “change” or “hope” become the staple of today’s milquetoast vote-getter.
Which leads to the interesting question: Are contemporary politicians dishonest or fearful? Perhaps it’s a combination of fear and mendaciousness. Yet, I find almost no “mainstream” figures willing to make an unashamed case for their beliefs.
~ PUBLICOLA
When a politician admits he’s biased, it could signal true honesty, but more likely its an attempt to appear honest and establish trust. A.H.’s intro reminds me a little of that guy in college who’s strategy for hitting on girls was to always start off by commiserating with them about how all guys are shallow, horny, bastards.
If that ever worked, and I think it occaisionally did, the target audience would have had to have the patience or interest to listen to the guy.
Today’s voters have the attention span of 10 seconds or less. So the politicians don’t waste time with a nuanced approach. Instead they just try to look cool and spend a lot of money buying drinks.
By: Jack Handy on March 13, 2008
at 4:07 pm