Which is more important: character or policy?

[Osakagreg]

Which is more important: character or policy?

It wasn't until this election that I really understood the answer for myself. I am a Democrat because I embrace democratic values and policy.

However, if there was a nominee with so many characters flaws, it would not be possible for me to trust that nominee to uphold those democratic values.

In a case like Trump, I am completely bewildered as to why he would continue to get support. He has proven to be a man that listens to no one but himself. And unfortunately, he knows nothing.

A president cannot be expected to know everything. They should be expected to hire the best people for consultation to help them make good decisions. That will not happen with Trump.

For me, I would have to put character before policy. Because it is the character of a president that is responsible for the policies they put forward.

[saltpoint]

1. I have a lot of respect for public servants

who craft policy based on their own character. It's when the two are the same thing that has the most effect.

For a lot of us as progressives, what motivates us to vote the way we do would be the things we'd also cite as who we are. Progressives tend to support workers and want policy crafted to make sure those people's work is honored and that they are fairly compensated, equally compensated, and that healthcare is provided. We hope for the same for ourselves and support politicians in our party who seek the same for others.

We tend to support scientific research and public education because we see them as essential investments to the quality of life for everyone. It's of note that Republicans are either skeptical of both or outright hostile.

I don't know how far this argument goes, but it seems more to me that policy rises out of character, and at some point become the same thing.

[greatauntoftriplets]

4. Excellent post.

[Johnny2X2X]

5. It's not binary

Having some minor character flaws isn't a big deal if the policy is stellar. But when you get into deplorable character levels, no amount of policy matters. And vice versa is true too, stalker character with awful police is not acceptable.

[Osakagreg]

8. Great Answer!

[The Genealogist]

9. I think you are right. Good policy results from good character. n/t

[aikoaiko]

2. reverse partisanship explains a lot of support for Trump.

Hating people of color, women, and poor people explains the rest.

[Cakes488]

3. Trumphole loses on both those counts

[onecaliberal]

6. One of the candidates possesses neither. That's why #ImWithHer

[jberryhill]

7. Did Obama run on a policy of addressing the financial crisis?

No. That was the shit sandwich handed to him on taking office.

The job is not very much about having a set of policies and executing them.

Sure, policy matters, but the job entails having to address unknown and unpredictable circumstances. On that score, character is everything.

[ancianita]

10. Character is as character does, which leads to policy.

[3catwoman3]

11. This question reminds me of the scene from...

...The American President, in which the character of President Andrew Shepherd tells the assembled press corps that the presidency "is entirely about character."