“What happens if fully rational politicians compete for the support of irrational voters — specifically, voters with irrational beliefs about the effects of various policies?”
― Bryan Caplan, “The Myth of the Rational Voter: Why Democracies Choose Bad Policies”
HERE’S what we should notice during every election year. Almost everyone running for office is hailed as most qualified, most experienced, most promising, full of potential, brimming with ideas, etc., etc. No one — as far as I can remember — have run on a platform of “business as usual” or promised stagnation or vowed to make things worse. Everyone — or almost everyone — is for adequate or more funding for education, public health, public safety, public works. Everyone is for the environment, local culture and affordable utility services. Many are concerned about big government and the proliferation of redundant offices and programs. Many are against red tape. And they are all for “leveling the playing field” and making the CNMI “more business friendly.” They are also for economic diversification, “quality” tourism, more workforce training and employment opportunities for local residents. In short, whatever the voters want, that’s what the candidates say they support.
Quick. What do you call an honest politician? Unemployed.
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The usual gap between what’s promised and what’s done is not a defect of democracy, but one of its main features.
If you don’t believe me, recall what any well-intentioned candidate for office usually says to voters: “I’m running for office because I want to serve the people.”
How hard it is anyway? You say what voters want to hear. You support popular proposals and oppose unpopular ones. You dole out favors and other assistance to constituents and supporters. You hire some of them. You go out there in the community. You show up for weddings, Christenings, funerals, fiestas, festivals, fundraisers, school activities, proclamation signings. You provide canopies and picnic tables — and brush-cutters. You make donations. You solicit donations on behalf of your constituents. You maintain a respectable, positive if not cheerful presence on social media.
It is also important that you master the language of politics:
“Let’s put the people first.”
“We should work together for a brighter future for all.”
“We will build a stronger/resilient/self-reliant economy.”
“I will listen to the people.”
“The time for change is now.”
“I will stand up for the people.”
“I will stand strong for our children — and our children’s children.”
“I will make government more transparent and more accountable.”
“I hear you. I see you. I stand with you.”
“I will empower communities through sustainable innovation.”
“I will deliver inclusive, data-driven leadership.”
“I will drive equity and opportunity for all.”
You get the picture.
And it’s not just candidates for elective office. If you listen to any confirmation hearing in the Senate chamber, you’ll notice that nearly every nominee is described as “the most qualified to fulfill vital responsibilities,” and as someone who will “devote his or her time and efforts to the best interests of all our people.”
Now this may be a mind-blowing question for some of us, but considering all the promises made by all the promising people who have served — or are serving — this “government of the people,” why are we (still) stuck in a tough spot?
And this is why if one is a politician, it is also important to master the art of passing the buck. This involves the ability to maintain a straight face while blaming someone else — including global crises, the media and “acts of God” — for his/her failures.
For those interested in comparing what their government officials said they would do with what they actually did, try this: Make a list of the problems and issues faced by each branch of government and its various offices, along with the actions they took, their proposed solutions, and the results.
Start with the government’s retirement system. Then take a look at CUC, public health, medical referrals, workforce training, illegal dumping, budget shortfalls, diversifying the economy, attracting new investments, duplicative government offices, government waste, and government inefficiency. The list is quite long.
And the usual preferred solution? Elect new, experienced, educated, sincere leaders who are for everything that many voters support — which, ultimately, is making other people pay for what voters want.
And we wonder why the numbers seldom add up.
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