What single characteristic is the most important for a politician to exhibit when dealing with the media?

Answer 1

The single most important characteristic a media-facing politician must show is good hair. The ability to speak in rhetorical soundbites that are practically devoid of true meaning is a close second. This will only change when the electorate understands that the people who may be best able to serve them in government may not be the most charismatic or eloquent.

Answer 2

Consistency. No matter what the setting a politician should be consistent in dealing with the media. Written, recorded, taped or live, a politician should voice the same answers to the same questions regardless of the audience or the person asking the question. In my opinion modification or tailoring of answers to gain the support of a given audience is at least confusing to the constituency and at worst deceiving, dishonest and in certain situations criminal.

Answer 3

The one thing that impresses the media is a politician with common sense who understands that governing means striving for the summum bonum.. They will give a listen to someone who approaches issues from the standpoint of simple logic, especially if he/she has done the homework and is truly current on the issues being discussed. It is such a rare trait amongst politicos, that those few who can demonstrate sound practical judgment are the poster boys and pin-ups of even the most cynical journalistic jades.

Answer 4

The characteristic they should exhibit when talking to the media is quiet confidence. That way they would be able to answer questions without putting their foot in their mouths. One of the most reckless things people do is to talk without thinking about what they say. If they have patience with themselves and the media they would be less likely to say something that they would regret later. (That goes for Democrats or Republicans)

Answer 5

Social Intelligence and Charisma. Without those nobody really cares what you are doing. That goes for anyone dealing with the media but particularly for politicians.

Answer 6

Competence. Also, avoiding giving damning answers while still providing some semblance of an answer that addresses the original question instead of avoiding it completely and asssuming a general stupidity on the part of the audience.

Oh wait, stupidity of the general audience is what gets the majority of these people elected and re-elected. Nevermind.

Answer 7

I don't believe there's one single one, but obviously with what politicians say today, it would have to be "manipulation" of his/her words, to say one thing and mean another, or vice versa. Honesty is not a trait politicians exhibit, but manipulation reigns!

Answer 8

Trust. If the media believes in them they will help the public to do the same. All Politicians should stick by their platforms and NOT FLIP-FLOP

Answer 9

Straightforward honesty

Answer 10

Honesty. Truthful answers to the best of her or, his ability. People don't want to hear a bunch of bull. They want the sincere truth no matter how ugly it might be.