A trend is developing world-wide called “personality-based politics”. It means that political parties are increasingly recognizing that many voters – especially those under 34 – are easily influenced by the charisma and personalities of politicians and can be persuaded to mark their ballots based on factors other than the policies candidates plan to pursue or their record of leadership and achievement. A quick Google search shows that “personality-based politics” is a growing concern from the U.S. to the U.K. to Kenya to Pakistan to the Philippines.
People who decide who to vote for based on charisma and personality are a big problem in any democracy. During a political campaign, these people are vulnerable to manipulation through TV ads and social media; they can even end up voting for policies that are against their own interests or positions. Furthermore, they can give power to charismatic officials who, once elected, use it to pursue policies that are actually against the majority will.
Stephen Harper is called “stuffy” and “the king of square”, Tom Mulcair is considered “the angry bearded guy who took over after Jack Layton”, and Justin Trudeau is “cool’ and “affable”. So what?? Who cares what their personalities are like? The vast majority of Canadian voters aren’t likely to have a beer with any of them or chat with them at a party anytime soon.
Canada is a big, diverse country in a very complex and dangerous world. As U.S. influence and power declines, it is increasingly important for Canada to be able to stand on its own, with a strong economy and a solid network of allies around the globe. We must have a well-qualified leader running our country – one who bases his decisions on clear principles and policies, has a strong record of leadership and accomplishment, and is well-regarded by other world leaders. Stephen Harper may be the “king of square” but, more importantly, he is a well-educated economist who has successfully led us through a recession and increased our standing in the world.
As a U.S. commentator said in a May 7, 2014 editorial in The Capital Journal:
“Voters should be less impressed by what candidates claim to be and more impressed by what candidates have accomplished. It isn’t about which candidate makes the best media star, but which one actually has a record that shows success at the hard work of making public policy.
Empty image appeals and personality-based politics are now the norm. It is up to us the voters to look for candidates who may have less flash but have more of the sobriety and work-ethic to make government work. We need work-horses, not show-horses.”
Canadians of all ages should say “no” to personality-based politics. We need strong, principled people in every elected position across this country, not show-horses like Mulcair and Trudeau.
