BallotVox

Elections: A Romance

[riot jane / Flickr]

This is amusing and at least partly true. Jennifer Killpack-Knutsen, who’s from Salt Lake City and likes green living, makes the case that elections are like dating (thanks, Ann Raber):

Most people see only what they want to see in the candidate or potential partner. Well, they might see a few flaws, but they are pretty certain that once they’ve formed the relationship, they will be able to change the person to fit their idealized view, or that person will change with the change in relationship status. The reality, of course, is that they usally can’t.

After making the commitment or electing the politician, there is an extended period where the glasses are fogged up and a state of denial about the flaws of the partner or politician becomes even more entrenched. After all, you chose the person, they must be wonderful. But after a few years, some of the worst qualities begin to rub away the loving glow.

Sometimes the loving glow fades even before the election.