How American Politics Lost Its Dignity

Why did the standards for campaigning evolve?

George Dillard
Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs

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John F. Kennedy on The Tonight Show with Jack Parr (public domain)

In 1844, the Democratic Party Convention nominated James K. Polk to be its candidate for president. He wasn’t there to accept the nomination, so party officials sent him a letter asking whether he would like to be the party’s nominee. Two weeks later, he responded with this letter:

Library of Congress

In his missive, Polk noted that

It has been well observed that the office of President of the United States should neither be sought nor declined. I have never sought it, nor should I feel at liberty to decline it, if conferred upon me by the voluntary suffrages of my Fellow Citizens.

Polk’s attitude toward political success was the norm at the time — politicians weren’t supposed to want high office. That would have been undignified. They were supposed to wait quietly until power was bestowed upon them.

Things have obviously changed over the last century and a half.

Politicians used to prioritize dignity — or at least the appearance of dignity — in shaping their public images. What did a dignified politician look like? Well, he (and…

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