Now that it's 2015, we can say it: There will be a presidential election next year. Public and news media interest will build toward the frenzied crescendo that characterizes these races. After all, in a country that loves competition, what could be more riveting than the contest for the most powerful political office in the land?
Yet for all Americans, especially people of faith and values, there's more to this quadrennial exercise than the thrill of victory and agony of defeat.
"It is not about which candidate will win, but which candidate, if elected, will help make us a better people," says Miroslav Volf, a theology professor at Yale Divinity School and author of the book A Public Faith: How Followers of Christ Should Serve the Common Good.
Typical of today's environment is this advice for politically savvy voters from "The Upshot" column in the New York Times: Pay attention to which GOP contenders are jumping ahead in the quest for support from donors, party leaders and operatives.
Fine. But how about some attention to more substantive questions, too, such as which candidate is more likely to steer a course toward a just, ethical and well-functioning society? And when it comes to the always-popular faith angle, let's hope the news media and the public can focus on more than the same-old-same-old storylines, such as which Republican contender can woo evangelical voters in Iowa
Here are five admittedly idealistic factors for religious Americans, and all who operate from a well-formed ethical base, to bear in mind as they engage the upcoming presidential election:
- Look for more than a show horse. Does a given candidate demonstrate the substance of character to not only thrill the crowd -- likely GOP contender Sen. Ted Cruz comes to mind, as does the 2008 candidate version of Sen. Barack Obama -- but also to make the toughest ethical decisions imaginable in the Oval Office?
When you hear candidates play up their belief bona fides for a church crowd, remember that the most religious candidate might not be the best person for president. Do you recall the Gov. Rick Perry television ad last time around that made one wonder whether he was running for president or pastor? How much does the candidate care about the people, especially those with the least amount of wealth, power and privilege? Think about how classy and moral the candidates are in the way they treat their rivals. Recall how Sen. John McCain distinguished himself in the 2008 race when he interrupted an audience member's libelous anti-Obama screed and stuck up for his opponent. How well does a candidate live up to the truth-telling commandment of Christianity, the religion invariably being invoked in presidential elections?- When a candidate feeds you a good stock line -- tax cuts will fix everything, for example, or soaking the rich will cure all our ills (à la Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who some are urging to join the race) -- ask yourself whether you are being manipulated or spoken to with respect for your intelligence. Ask that question twice if a candidate might be pandering to your faith.
Finally, and above all, remind yourself that a presidential election does not have the cosmic significance implied by the massive attention it receives, and that no political candidate is a savior.As it turns out, President Obama was not able to transcend the real and bitter divides in our public life as many had hoped on the wings of his campaign rhetoric. (It's doubtful anyone could.) This is not a call to disengage but a reminder to be realistic, and mindful of the many non-political ways in which positive change is created.
In the end, people of faith and values ought to resist getting distracted by the drama of who's ahead in the polls, who's sticking it to whom with the latest rhetorical volleys, and how candidate X is using such-and-such strategy to woo a given voting bloc.
If it's competition you crave, well, that's what sports are for.
Note: This post originally appeared in USA Today February 20, 2015.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.