Nation-Building >> Authenticity's electricity | return to front page

The Baltimore Sun nails why Dean has such appeal:

But why Dean? What is it about politicians like Dean and McCain that so excites voters and the media?

Part of the answer is authenticity, a characteristic evident in so few elected officials that citizens find it refreshing, almost intoxicating. Authenticity should not be equated with novelty, likability or even honesty. An altogether different political trait, authenticity requires a bit of explaining.

Sadly, in recent decades the term "conviction politician" is more likely to refer to an official under indictment than a leader who takes courageous positions based on his or her instincts. Politicians often pepper their speeches with "the American people want this" or "the American people believe that." Words like these suggest that politicians are not revealing what they really think, that instead they are just responding to polling numbers.

Authentic politicians are different. Not because they listen better or understand America intuitively, but because they lead with their beliefs and their chins - and let the voters and pundits be damned. Authenticity is the political antidote to duplicity and phoniness.

note that this has nothing to do with Democrats or Republicans or third parties. It has to do with the appeal of Dean to an American voter. Regardless of party, the average American wants truth and integrity - and authenticity. And that's why Dean is the only one who can win.