What You Need To Know About POLITICIANS

I've been around politicians all my life -- ever since I was a little boy, actually. I've observed them close up, worked for and with them and have written about them for more years than I can remember. I love politics for the drama. And as for politicians, well generally speaking, here's what I can tell you about them:

1) Politicians are cautious. Their jobs are not secure and their world is ever changing. So mostly, they move cautiously, deliberately and sometimes much slower than you might prefer.

2) They postpone decisions. They don't want to commit until and unless they absolutely have to. So, decisions are often postponed. Put another way, they like to keep their options open, because, once again, they live in an unpredictable world. Anything can happen, and often does.

3) They prize loyalty. They say that money is the mother's milk of politics but for politicians, loyalty is most certainly the coin of the realm. It's prized because it is so uncommon. So, if you've involved with politics and/or politicians you'll likely advance further and faster if you keep your word and remain loyal. Don't abandon ship, for that will give you precisely the sort of reputation you don't want to have.

4) Unguarded moments are rare -- and this, by the way, makes them all the more valued. Like people in show business, politicians are often expected to be "on". The few "off" moments are saved for family, confidants and the most trusted. If you're privy to one of these authentic moments, you've gained entry into the inner circle. Still, the pol's default is usually inscrutability, not intimacy. 

5) They're often alone. For all the fame and fanfare, their presumed power means politicians often find themselves alone in contemplation for, in the end, they are the ones who must determine our future direction. John F. Kennedy compared it to sailing solo on the open sea, adjusting course with the winds and the tides, remaining steady and charting the way forward. The higher ones rise, the lonelier it gets. So yes, it's lonely at the top -- otherwise, it wouldn't be he top.

Oh, here's one more: politicians typically do not like surprises -- especially unpleasant ones. Even among those who may be on opposite sides of an issue, some respect is expected. Typically, they will warn one another if a serious public disagreement is in the offing -- especially if the two happen to be of the same party. Sometimes, accommodations can be made and a public conflict can be avoided. In any event, a simple show of respect counts for something.