Why This Election Means So Much (Part 2)

In my last post I dwelled on the importance of this coming mid-term election and its potential to change the course of this country. I also talked about what was at stake, the mood of the American voter, what we might expect, and how to avoid electoral mistakes. In this post I want to explore your thought process in casting your vote, what I think you should look for in your candidate, and the role of leadership.

What Factors Are Important to Your Vote?
Obviously, your political bent is a key factor in influencing your vote, but other factors are equally important. As a matter of fact, most Americans tend to be independent and not party-aligned, as illustrated in the recent election of Republican Chris Christi as Governor of New Jersey, a strongly Democratic leaning State, and Republican Scott Brown, in the Senate, winning the seat of Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, a Democratic icon.

Qualities such as character, values, education, experience (non-political experience as well), track record, ideas, motivation, and communication skills should all factor in a voter’s decision. When you look at these qualities they usually are good indicators of potential great leaders. Leadership skill is not only important for a President; it also is for a Governor, a Congressman, a Senator or any public or private official that is head of a productive group or enterprise.

For our elected officials, it is clear that leadership skills are the key to success. Successful leaders are different and have different strengths and skill sets. One thing is sure however, most are charismatic and eloquent speakers and can mesmerize their audience by their commanding presence and message. Think of Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan, Clinton; even Hitler, Castro, and Chavez had that skill, so although this attribute is important, it alone does not identify a successful leader.

In delivering these qualities, the methods and tactics a candidate uses are critical and usually separates the great leaders from the mediocre. I believe leadership or leadership potential to be the most important aspect of this coming election. It is essential if we are to change the course of any failing corporation or government. In our politics today, the signs are already there. The mood of America has deteriorated and become angrier, more cynical, sometimes foul, and in some cases even murderous. Joblessness is eating at the core of our cities, creating a powerful need for innovative and courageous leadership to provide the initiatives that will spur employment, revitalize investment in our economy, and uplift our spirit. The failure of leadership in our “ruling class” is in many ways more urgent and more dangerous than the problems we face because our problems won’t be solved without it and because lack of leadership is slow to recognize and little understood.

Voter Empowerment Is What’s Needed Now
Two hundred thirty-four years ago, when the Founding Fathers gathered in Philadelphia to write the Constitution, America had a population of only three million people, yet six world class leaders, at least, were present there as authors of that extraordinary document. Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Adams, Franklin, and Madison all helped to create our form of government. Today we are over 300 million and you will be hard pressed to identify six leaders of that quality in Washington D.C.

Where have our political leaders gone? Have we become too cynical to care? Has making politics a career fostered mediocrity and corruption, or have we become too saturated with information to make clear and informed decisions? I think not. Voter empowerment is the key. If you feel your vote will make a difference and you take the time to understand the priority issues and listen to the candidates, you will go to the polls and find the leaders out there we so urgently need. It’s happening now, be a part of it, and be sure to cast your vote on November 2nd.