By Dr. Isaac Newton
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thursday. October 24, 2024: As the US presidential election approaches, voters face a crucial choice between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. With polls predicting a close race, key issues such as the economy, health care and immigration are central to voters’ minds. Beyond politics, however, there is a deeper question: Should we prioritize a candidate’s character or his policies when choosing a leader? Both have significant impacts, but understanding how they work together can be key to making an informed decision.
Why politics matters
Policies shape real-world outcomes. Whether it’s economic growth, access to health care, or education reform, strong policies create lasting change that affects everyday life. A leader’s policy decisions set the direction for the country, affecting job creation, national security and even global relations. Some argue that focusing on policy ensures progress, even if the leader’s personality is not ideal. For example, a well-designed economic plan can provide jobs, improve social services and provide security, regardless of the leader’s shortcomings. Policy-driven governance often leads to stability, delivering measurable improvements that affect the population in meaningful ways.
The importance of character
But character cannot be ignored. A leader’s integrity, sensitivity and judgment are essential to building trust – not only with the electorate but also with international allies. When a leader lacks moral direction, even the best policies can fail to unite a nation. Strong character serves as a moral compass, guiding decisions with justice and compassion. For example, a leader who consistently demonstrates honesty and resilience can navigate crises more effectively because people trust their judgment. Without this trust, even the most effective policies lose their impact, as the public’s trust in the leader diminishes. A leader of strong character not only leads with vision, but gains the confidence needed to inspire people and maintain diplomatic relations.
Finding the right balance
It’s not about choosing one over the other. Successful leadership requires strong policies and good character. Policies may guide a country’s progress, but character ensures that those policies are implemented with honesty, sensitivity and fairness. When these two aspects are in harmony, they create a leader capable of both strategic vision and ethical governance. As voters, we should expect both – policies that serve the people and a leader who embodies the values of integrity, justice and unity.
In this election let us carefully examine both character and politics. Together, they shape not only the future of the US, but the direction of the world. The balance of the two will determine how effectively the country can navigate challenges, both at home and abroad.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Isaac Newton is an international leadership and change management consultant, policy advisor and graduate of Oakwood, Harvard, Princeton and Columbia University.
