Beyond the Issues: Character and Winnability
At iVoterGuide, we exist to provide systematic research that will help voters understand a candidate’s political philosophy. We report the hard data surrounding a candidate, seeking to answer the question, “how is this candidate likely to vote or govern, based on their history, campaign data, and expressed worldview?”
But there are other factors to consider when voting for a candidate that iVoterGuide does NOT assess, especially when it comes to character and winnability.
We often think of “character” as moral and ethical qualities; yet Merriam Webster defines it as “one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual.” So someone’s character can include everything from principles to personality. Character elicits questions about honesty and integrity, as well as likability and human connection. All of these attributes help politicians accomplish the best work for their constituents.
Winnability involves lots of factors, too, but basically—does the candidate have what it takes to win the race? If not, the other attributes are negligible. We only have imperfect candidates. So, at times, you have to decide between aspects of a candidate’s character and his winnability.
For the most part, character and winnability are too subjective for us to assess at iVoterGuide, though you may find a few clues in our research. For example, how much money a candidate has raised can point to how serious they are about the race. And if they’ve voted the same ways consistently, this tells us something about their ideology and principles. But that’s not much information. Think of all the candidates running who’ve never served in office!
How do you evaluate character and winnability for yourself?
First, when it comes to winnability—how serious is the candidate? Other than certain age and residency requirements, the only things necessary to file for candidacy are often money (a filing fee ranging from $5-$5,000) and/or signatures. Therefore, some candidates never intend to make a serious run—they may file just to give voters an option, or to gain name recognition for a later run. If they’re in it to win, they’ll have (or be building) significant financial backing. Often, you’ll also see presence and support from their spouse and family.
Seek insight into a candidate’s character through in-person exposure, long-form interviews, debates, and town halls. For national elections, we glean lots of information from media coverage. While there’s usually less media surrounding local elections, you have more opportunities to meet a candidate in person. Perhaps you’ll even meet the spouse or children involved. When you meet a candidate in person, you can shake his hand. Look in her eyeballs. Watch him work a room. While these details can’t tell you everything about a person’s sincerity, integrity, and connection to his or her constituency, a personal encounter can give insight.
For myself, there have been times when the Holy Spirit has spoken hope to me through a stranger’s presence and shone light in her countenance. There have been other times, though, when I’ve left a face-to-face meeting feeling the need for caution, or even to truly beware. Though these insights occur more easily in person, you also can benefit from televised town halls or debates.
Look for a candidate who wants to serve, not be served. I’ve heard it said, there are two types of candidates: People who want to do something and people who want to be something. The best person to serve a constituency should want to get things done, even when it comes at personal cost. Let’s face it—working in politics usually does!
When you need a police officer, you’re looking for a person of strength and protection. When you need a barber, you want someone skilled with scissors and pleasant enough for a half hour of small talk. When you need a pastor, you’re seeking someone of the highest moral, ethical, and spiritual standards as the foundation for excellent pastoral and teaching skills.
So, what about choosing a government official? A candidate running for sheriff would need different skills than someone running for county clerk. So, understanding the position will help you pick the best candidate. In every political position, however, we want officials who can understand issues and policy, as well as articulate them; relate well to their constituents; and know how to negotiate and collaborate. We also want trustworthy leaders who are willing to stand up for critical issues and make personal sacrifices in the best interest of citizens. And ideally, we want leaders whose lives reflect a deep commitment to Christ. According to George Washington, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”
Pray for God’s guidance. Praise God we can trust Him to lead us in all things! He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He created us to be salt and light in the world—including with our vote. I vote for the candidate who seems most likely to win while also governing in closest alliance with my worldview. I have no qualms about voting for a candidate who (imperfectly) represents 75 percent of my worldview to avoid a candidate who represents only 25 percent of my worldview.
That being said, voters sometimes make their voices heard by withholding their vote from an incumbent who’s not taking their view seriously. The problem is you may get someone in office who won’t support your view on anything at all.
The bottom line? The Founders gave the power of the government to the consent of the governed. The decision, dear voter, is yours.
