Sometimes I wish I could share some of the things that happen behind the scenes at The Hamiltonian—particularly when we reach out to candidates with questions. Without identifying anyone, here is a small glimpse into that world.
Some candidates perform remarkable verbal gymnastics to avoid answering a simple question they believe may not reflect well on them. In doing so, they often fail to recognize that the avoidance itself creates a far worse impression. If someone cannot answer a straightforward question during a campaign, what does that tell voters about how they might respond when facing difficult decisions in office? Do we really want elected officials whose first instinct is to evade rather than be forthright?
Then there are the truly bizarre responses—most of which never appear on The Hamiltonian. Every so often we receive an answer that leaves us wondering how the individual concluded they were ready to seek public office in the first place.
Occasionally we encounter candidates who are unexpectedly combative. The hostility seems disconnected from the question being asked and difficult to understand. Once again, it naturally raises questions about temperament and whether the individual is well suited to represent the public.
We also receive submissions with spelling mistakes, poor grammar, or careless errors. We do not edit them. We publish them as submitted because they tell voters something important. Attention to detail matters. Care in communication matters. If a candidate cannot be bothered to carefully review material they know will be published, voters are entitled to draw their own conclusions.
Running The Hamiltonian requires constant judgment. We generally err on the side of providing Hamiltonians with information rather than withholding it. Sometimes that information arrives polished and professional. Sometimes it does not. Either way, it offers voters a window into the people asking to earn their trust.
Our role is not to protect candidates from the consequences of their own words or actions. Our role is to provide Hamiltonians with the information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Cal
