Do you think people run for political office because they want to serve their "fellow man" or because they...

Question

want the power, perks and attention? Obviously, from the question, I think it's the latter...

Answer 1

I think its both. Everyone once in a while you hear about the poor senator or congressman who went to Washington to serve his constituencies and makes so little that he can't even afford to rent a place to live in Washington - basically lives out of his office. I don't know if that's the case for any of them today but certainly no doubt there are some in it for more than just the money. There are others who have gotten fat making politics a lifetime career. I'm not suggesting that they are dishonest or corrupt but they certainly have a vested interested in pleasing everybody to stay where they are and as such make deals that most of their constituents don't even know about. However, a lot of people mistakenly assume that the life of a politician is easy. They have no idea how much time these people spend in their offices, in meetings, serving on committees, talking to their constituents, their staff, fulfilling speaking engagements, and on and on. Their hours of work begin sometimes before most of us are having our first cup of coffee and don't end till late at night - and rarely is it a Monday through Friday job. Plus they too have wives, children and extended family that always have needs that can't just be put on the back burner for two or more years. And then, when they get the chance to go home - guess what - they often have to deal with many of the same issues that effect you and I involving caring for a home, staying in touch with friends, staying up to date in their own community and state. Its not an easy life so the sacrifice they make does warrant a little consideration. Now do I think that they should have cushy little guaranteed retirement packages and other perks for just two to four years of service - well that's another issue. I wouldn't and assume most of you wouldn't either. So why should they?

Answer 2

I think people too easily write off politics as being corrupt. By simply saying that and not getting involved you are ensuring that things will never be better and you will indirectly help foster further corruption. Qualified and decent people will never see fit to run and attempt to change things for the better. Nothing is a lost cause and there is a lot of good things that can be done and plenty of good people out there to run and win elected office. People who run that have no previous political experience most likely have money and are running to enact change, which is to be commended. If we keep letting the same people run and win we will keep encountering the same problems that currently plague our nation. There is some power and attention that comes with office but I think there are more people out there who really want to serve their country and their constituents than people realize. People only believe stories about the handful of bad senators or representatives out there who overshadow the good and decent ones who do their job and get little fanfare or acknowledgement. It isn't easy to be a politician, constantly having to make difficult choices, raise money for their campaigns, travel around the state, be away from their families, etc. People just don't realize a lot of these things.

Answer 3

Power, Perks, and Attention. Simple as that.

Answer 4

Instead of asking us I suggest that you go and talk to the following people and decide for yourself:
1) City/County council member
2) State Representative/Senator
3) US Congressman
4) County Clerk of Courts

Answer 5

i think some do it just for the power but the majority start out wanting to do right and serve their fellow man. unfortunately i think once they get to washington and those types politics they are forced to compromise their beliefs.

Answer 6

Although I am not a politician,I wanted to be a senator.I wanted to change things for the better and in my personal opinion there are probably a few out there who feel the same as I do.Not all but maybe a few....

Answer 7

I think they get into politics to change things for the better but by the time they get to state-wide or national politics they are corrupted beyond hope.

Answer 8

She does like the limelight and it is all about her, sorta like some presidents i understand. besides the undeniable fact that the safe practices may be somewhat a lot, i'm wondering the international pretty a lot has a grudge against.

Answer 9

what planet do you live on dude? it's for the money and power. anyone who thinks a politician is in it to serve his country is a fool

Answer 10

Because they want the power and the money.