Bring Your Facts, Please
People often ask me what makes a successful legislator. Granted, they might be asking me just so I will reflect on the topic and become one. Everyone has a different approach. Me? I rely on good looks and charm -- which might explain why people want me to reflect on the topic.
Two things that are essential to success are hard work and a command of the facts. All important matters come down to those 2 things at some point. If a legislator outworks the opposition and knows more than the opposition, chances for victory are increased. Of course, credibility, communication skills, personality and interpersonal skills, and political smarts (which mostly is common sense and experience) factor in strongly. But, hard-working legislators who know their facts will rack up a lot of victories.
No doubt, political philosophy plays a huge role. But, I have seen successful legislators across the spectrum. The two things they all can do is outwork others and, in the process, get a commanding handle on the facts.
Do the facts always win out? Of course, not. It's politics, not Jeopardy. But hard work and facts win out far more often than some people might think.
I thought about this subject when I read Rep. Brad Daw's reply to one of Don Gale's editorials. Mr. Gale lofts up some fluff on the Founders' philosophies (meshing perfectly with his, of course), and Rep. Daw swats it into the 10th row. Brad is very soft spoken and one of the kindest people I know, but, as his reply shows, he does expect people to have their facts straight.
Two things that are essential to success are hard work and a command of the facts. All important matters come down to those 2 things at some point. If a legislator outworks the opposition and knows more than the opposition, chances for victory are increased. Of course, credibility, communication skills, personality and interpersonal skills, and political smarts (which mostly is common sense and experience) factor in strongly. But, hard-working legislators who know their facts will rack up a lot of victories.
No doubt, political philosophy plays a huge role. But, I have seen successful legislators across the spectrum. The two things they all can do is outwork others and, in the process, get a commanding handle on the facts.
Do the facts always win out? Of course, not. It's politics, not Jeopardy. But hard work and facts win out far more often than some people might think.
I thought about this subject when I read Rep. Brad Daw's reply to one of Don Gale's editorials. Mr. Gale lofts up some fluff on the Founders' philosophies (meshing perfectly with his, of course), and Rep. Daw swats it into the 10th row. Brad is very soft spoken and one of the kindest people I know, but, as his reply shows, he does expect people to have their facts straight.
posted by steve u. at 7/11/2006
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3 Comments:
Of course you're successful, your leadership sucks, and thats the way I like I like it!
I appreciate it it when my minions listen and screw the less fortunate.
I dig it Steve!
You the Man!
Yes, S, I remember the plan. Vilify initiative and independence, institute socialism bit by bit, and enslave them all to Government. Bwaahahahahaaaa!
Oh ya, and mess up John Jacob’s business deals.
Didn't Teddy Roosevelt say speak softly and carry a big pen? Or something like that.
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