30 July 2018 — 1027 mdt
Candidates should not claim they’re leaders or that they’re courageous
Candidates who assert “I’m a leader,” or “I have courage,” or “I’m strong,” risk being judged by the voters as having none of these qualities. The assertions are evidence of self-doubt.
True leaders project leadership by carrying themselves as leaders, by addressing the issues with confidence, knowledge, and authority, and by providing solutions that improve the lives of voters. Leadership cannot be argued. It must be demonstrated. The same is true of courage, true of strength.
That’s why I find this statement by Kathleen Williams on her website, under “Protecting Schools from Gun Massacres,” cringeworthy:
Kathleen has the courage to say enough is enough; it’s time to do something about the all-too-frequent massacres in our schools.
Striking the word “courage” strengthens that sentence:
Kathleen says enough is enough; it’s time to do something about the all-too-frequent massacres in our schools.
Indeed, I would further shorten that sentence:
Kathleen says it’s high time to do something about the gun massacres in our schools.
If Williams wants voters to conclude she has courage, she should stop referring to herself as courageous.