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In the year 1958, the National Election Study launched surveys to determine Americans’ trust in government. The findings indicated that around 75% believed the federal government would generally act in the right manner. Fast forward to 2023, according to Pew Research, this trust has drastically fallen to a record low of only 16%.
Worryingly, merely 2% of Americans think the government reliably makes the right choices, and faith in elected representatives continues to decline. The reason for this downturn is evident: our government leaders are failing to take accountability for their actions.
As we approach the next 100 days before the election, pay attention to whether you hear candidates own up to mistakes during their campaign. Phrases like “I erred,” “That was a poor choice,” or “We should not have taken that route” seem increasingly infrequent.
As we approach the next 100 days before the election, consider whether candidates will admit to errors during their campaigns. (Getty Images)
Genuine leadership is demanding and often isolating. It necessitates tough choices and, most importantly, the humility to own both triumphs and failures. Regrettably, politicians today seem to shy away from this sort of transparency, further exacerbating the decline in trust toward the federal government. People recognize that no one can be right all the time… we are all human.
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This election season, prepare to observe both ends of the political spectrum engaging in finger-pointing. Be it through media clips, opinion articles, or social platforms, it’s common for one side to cast blame on the other for pressing issues such as the economy, immigration, crime, abortion, or climate change.
When leaders resort to deflecting responsibility, it sets a dangerous precedent: if we are incapable of addressing our challenges, we are justified in blaming others for our struggles or indecision.
True leaders don’t mitigate challenges by passing blame. Instead, they work to unite people around a common mission and actionable solutions. When prominent elected officials get caught in blame cycles, it further diminishes public trust in their capacity to effect meaningful change.
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Restoring trust in government necessitates bridging the gap between political rhetoric and public perception. For example, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., once suggested, “Anyone who believes they have an advantage due to Joe Biden’s age does so at their own peril because he’s very astute.” Yet, shortly thereafter, she expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to run as president and quickly backed Kamala Harris once he ceased his re-election efforts.
In a similar vein, Harris famously sidestepped a question regarding her plans to visit the southern border by stating, “…And I haven’t been to Europe yet.” Despite her responsibilities regarding illegal immigration, she failed to acknowledge unfinished business in that area.
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Moreover, in the aftermath of the 2020 election, President Trump consistently labeled the election as “rigged.” True leaders accept loss with grace and strive for a comeback, similar to athletes who often stage remarkable recoveries.
As the upcoming election draws near, we will see if voters place more emphasis on character rather than policies. Social media’s significant role in tarnishing trust cannot be overlooked, as many individuals depend on their smartphones for information. The rapid consumption of news through concise segments often hinders comprehension, heavily influencing public perceptions and behaviors.
Americans are eager to rekindle their trust and faith in their leaders. Politicians must recognize that showcasing vulnerability and acknowledging mistakes represents strength, not weakness.
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In any leadership capacity, whether in corporate America or a family-owned enterprise, making missteps is part of the journey. However, confidence is cultivated by leaders who remain committed to their vision amidst adversity.
It’s high time our leaders begin to restore our trust, starting with three simple words: “I was wrong.”
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