To some extent, it does take a certain type of character with ambition and a certain hubris to enter into the game. I have watched many a politician up close. They often seem outgoing, but they are often lonely. Their family in some sense almost separate from them.
Simon sort of hits it on the nail, and we are uncomfortable with the result. We tend to want our politicians to be pure, and love to conceptualize them as crooks. However, like so much in life, there is much nuance between the extremes, and I think that causes reactance and makes us uncomfortable.
It is certainly easier for a "type" of personality to thrive in politics (at least on the State/Federal level), but I think the reason that there is that disconnect you mention is that few people grasp the intense level of scrutiny that attends the politician's every move. Even beyond that of a "normal" celebrity, their every choice and word is scrutinized and dissected. They are "on" 24/7 with very little room to be eccentric or "genuine". Therefore, their virtues and vices tend to be magnified since they work so hard to be (somewhat) a little of everything to everybody.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, having been privileged to see what I have, I now actively work to correct what I see as an unfairly negative portrait of politicians by trying to illustrate to folks the complexity of the decision making and balancing that is involved in politics. It isn't easy, but it is important for people to hear.