Why do we think a candidate we favor has any real answers?

Question

Political leaders rarely have a talent applicable to a given subject. Economics, banking, warfare, foreign expertise, infrastructure (engineering), and so on.

Their expertise is POLITICS.

So why do we seek answers from McCain or Obama that really is beyond their understanding.

Isn't what is more important is their party's platform, their management style, and, who will direct activities as cabinet members, and, directors?

Why is there not more attention paid to their qualifications in the real way they are used, as a President?

Answer 1

Very good question, why I starred it right away hoping one of my excellent contacts would give you a magnificent answer I could enjoy as well.

In lack thereof I'll give it a try though it's certainly not the easiest question to answer. The first question why people think that is complex I believe. That the candidates like to present themselves that way, the all knowing, all competent, all around superstar with a sense of humor yet always humble plays an important role. That American politics is very personality driven and Presidential elections even more doesn't help, nor does the often tabloidized coverage in the mainstream media.

Your question is very rational, there's nothing world shocking in what you say and still if either candidate said on national TV what you say here, they'd lose bad, their career might even be over. What came first the chicken (politicians behaving that way) or the egg (the people/media expecting/ demanding this kind of unrealistic behavior) is hard to say.

On the bigger point of if other aspects like their platform,their management style, and, who will direct activities as cabinet members, and, directors isn't more important the answer is yes. Personally I'd like to add ideology to that list. A sense what the candidates stand for ideologically is as important as knowing their position on the isues because that creates some insight into where they might go if new issues come up. In the 2000 elections Gore and Bush never talked about "the war on terror" yet it became the issue of the Bush Presidency.

Hope this helps