Show, don't tell

In creative writing, one of the most common pieces of advice given is to "show not tell". This can be difficult to follow, but the general premise is to use descriptors to build a scene rather than using one sentence to tell the audience what is happening. After attending last Thursday's political forum, I can firmly say that this rule should apply to political candidates as well. 

There were a wide range of candidates from both sides of the aisle who participated in the forum in Riverside. With eleven candidates and two candidate representatives running for different positions, a large political spectrum was presented. Thursday was the first time I saw any of the candidates, and only a handful left a lasting impression.

I believe this was because they did not just tell me why I should vote for them, they showed it as well. It is easy enough for a candidate to say: "I'm running on the (enter party here) ticket for (enter position here)." Modern day political parties can tell you a lot about what a person's beliefs are but, again, that's just telling. The candidates that stood out from the rest did not just tell you what kind of politician they would be, they showed you.  

The best candidates on stage had a solid base. Whether it be experience or a singular issue or even their personality, they had something that immediately stood out. Something that, at a glance, could tell you what they are all about. However, that's not all they had to offer to voters.

Going further than their initial statements, they all had good responses to the questions asked. They just didn't parrot the others on stage or pass along boilerplate talking points. They gave nuanced, well-thought out answers or presented their point in an all-guns-blazing passionate speech. They just didn't speak in generalities, instead they had specific points to pass along. They would have something to say, and they would say it well.

You could definitely tell when there was passion behind a candidate's words. Even if they had answered this question a hundred times before, they wouldn't really seem like they are just going through the motions. It's easy for someone to tell you they care about something. It's another thing for them to show it.

After the debate, it was clear to me who I wanted to learn more about. Those who just didn't fall into the background, but who made an effort to really present themselves and their ideas. Showmanship is a part of politics, and there is a difference between candidates who can market themselves, and those who cannot.

When you are deciding who to vote for this next election season, try to take into consideration what a person says they are, and how they actually present themselves.