Can You Play Politics AND Stay True To Your Values?

I’m in D.C. for the weekend, meeting friends who rub elbows with people in high places. After a few group discussions and one on one conversations, I’ve gained a new appreciation for the skills required to work in politics.

First of all, I don’t know if I could do it. And not because I have done questionable things in my past; I definitely have, but I simply don’t care if I’m judged for them. No, I just don’t know if I have the patience to deal with people and their malarkey. I think they look down on calling people ho’s. And I would surely call someone a ho. But only if they deserved it, because I’m a classy betch.

Second, I enjoy authentic relationships and shun all other types of interactions. The people I know who are new to politics have spent years not knowing who to trust, and not being able to build any true friendships. That sounds absolutely miserable.

Third, I’m not sure you can be in politics and not “play politics”. This one gets me. For years now I’ve been cheering hardcore for any politician with an IDGAF attitude. Tear up that proposal and light it on fire on the Senate floor, hell yeah. I like my politicians to be audacious and cavalier. If you have conservative values and could be described as a brazenly honest or roguish and quick-witted, I will consider you for my vote. I like my politicians to have balls that were not surgically attached just for show. Ladies needn’t have balls, but they should be so stalwart as to make you wonder. I want to vote for someone I would buy a drink for. Desantis, I owe you, like, four.

So when facing the idea that politicians need to play politics in order to be successful, I have mixed feelings. I get it, you have be in on the decision-making in order to make a difference, and that’s not going to happen if you antagonize the opposition so much that they are not even willing to work with you. It’s like dealing with toddlers that you’ve already spoiled and given control over the home. How do get them to listen now??

At the same time, your constituents support you because you represent (in theory anyway) their values. Being a politician who is willing to compromise can mean being invited to the conversation while alienating the people who put you in office. On the other hand, sticking to your guns could mean the support of your base but the inability to accomplish anything because no one is willing to work with you. What a conundrum.

Sadly I think many politicians end up falling into the trap of working for their own interests instead of those of their constituents. I wonder if there’s a case study on how long people can work in politics before all of the authority starts going to their heads and warps their sense of self. I don’t know what the answer is, but I’d be willing to bet my favorite pair of stilettos that 40 years is well past that limit…No one should be in politics that long!

So this is just a little food for thought. What are we willing to compromise on, if anything, in order to get our foot in the door? The toddler have already been spoiled, and they’re willing to burn the house down with everyone in it just to get their way. Conservatives have compromised on far too much in my opinion, and we usually have very little to show for it. Do we need to learn to play the game better, or do we kick the door down and invite ourselves into the party? Something needs to give.