Will you run for higher office?

[Nation]

We're not talking if you'd LIKE to, or have ever thought about it -- I want to know people who's career goals are truly to become politicians, and aspire to political office.


For those who answer yes, what makes you think you could be elected, perhaps in a district that doesn't completely share your ideology?

[Nation]

That's pretty much how it is in the US, too. Either that or [failed/successful] businessmen.

[Nation]

I'd like to be a corrupt sherrif...

You could go around and kill people for fun, too, like the guy in Dean Koontz's "Intensity."

You'd have to move to Oregon, though.

[Nation]

For all of you now who want to become politicians, answer honestly:


Do you have the oratory skills necessary to become a politician?

Have you taken any part in your school's forensics club/team?

Can you CONNECT with voters of all ages, and not just those of your political ideology?

If you are an extremeist, can you play yourself off as a moderate?

Why should you get the job when there's probably someone more qualified than you also running?

[Nation]

Hmm, some interesting responses so far. I think you'd do well, Don.


Next big issue:


It is a well-known fact that being in politics (especially federal level) requires you to sacrifice some of your ethics to advance, and in some cases, even get the support necessary to re-election. Could you actually sacrifice your personal code of ethics in order to succeed as a politician?

I've get plenty more questions, don't worry. Going to bed now though.

[Nation]

I think you all should read "Splitting the Difference: Compromise and Integrity in Ethics and Politics." Really good piece of literature.

[Nation]

Situation for all you future politicians: You haven't been able to bring in any money into your district -- the polls show a close race, and someone offers you a big boost for whatever your district/area/whatever needs -- however, you have to vote X on issue Y, despite your objection.

What do you do? Get re-elected, compromise a little ethics? Much easier said than done, especially in a career as vicious as politics.