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Bad behavior is good politics

Bad behavior is good politics

| July 26, 2024

'Bad behavior is good politics' is a sentiment that seems increasingly adopted in the current political climate. Observing the constant flood of incompetencies, lies, and deceptions emerging from both ends of the political spectrum is disheartening. It is not the left or right; it's the problem of our sharply divided society, polarized by stark binary divisions. To understand this scenario, please look at the widely differing public perceptions of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. From a political standpoint, many firmly believe Trump possesses a confident leadership style that Harris could only dream of. This is not drawn from personal biases but an analysis based on public behavior, spoken words, and actions. However, the matter of focus here is competency. In reality, it appears that Kamala Harris often lacks a full grasp of the issues at hand - at least, that's the observation drawn from some of her public inferences. To express this more conversationally, one might say she doesn't know her backside from a hole in the ground.

Perhaps it is a harsh judgment, but this is the overall consensus from a substantial group in the political audience. To put it plainly, there's a shared sentiment that she might struggle even with the straightforward job of being a dog catcher, let alone handling complex national issues. Beyond personalities, the role of the commander-in-chief isn't required to be a celebrity or a known personality. These traits set the best leaders apart from others. When evaluating the current political landscape encompassing broad areas such as economics, domestic policy, and international relations, it is worthwhile to juxtapose the Biden administration alongside Trump's previous tenure. It holds a mirror up to the stark differences in policy and outcomes that each administration bore.

One crucial thing of note is the direct impact of these political policies on different sections of society. Most prominently, subtle policy shifts can lead to substantial "blows" for the low-income population and those with no investable assets. Indeed, it is not about predicting outcomes but observing reality. Take, for example, the real estate market, which is utterly unpredictable. A cursory glance out of one's front door readily reveals this truth. Property values have hit the ceiling in many neighborhoods, rendering such estates out of reach for the average American. In conclusion, with an experience spanning fifty years in the financial planning business, one thing becomes clear: politics can have a more impactful role on personal finances than one might think. It's not about instructing others on how to cast their votes. Instead, it's about encouraging everyone to consider their self-interests when deciding who to vote for. Understanding the financial implications of political actions can immensely dictate one's future.