Have American voters changed their expectations?
Americans vote differently now than in 2000, IMHO.
Most voters want a higher moral standard from candidates today.
Voters reject candidates who do not meet their expectations and vote for those who do meet them.
Voters will reject candidates whom they expect to fail the code, even though the code is unwritten.
I will try to address some of the Moral Tenets underlying this code, even though it is a precarious task. Others may disagree and wish to add or delete some items - it may be a continuing discussion. These tenets appear to resonate with voters; there are other moral tenets which do not appear to affect voters as deeply.
FINANCIAL GAIN - A candidate perceived as likely to seek personal financial gain from the office would lose the election.
FOREIGN INFLUENCE - Candidates who accept financial or other help from foreign governments or businesses will lose.
MARITAL FIDELITY / PEDOPHILIA - Candidates perceived as likely to cheat on a spouse would lose an election, as will those who support adults having sex with minors.
RACISM - Overtly or covertly racist candidates will lose.
SUPPORT DEMOCRACY - Candidates who reject election results will lose.
HONEST BIDDING AND HIRING - Candidates perceived as likely to hire unqualified relatives or award contracts in exchange for graft will lose.
Other commentators may wish to add additional tenets to this list.
Clearly then, candidates who have weaknesses in any of these areas can be defeated by drawing the connection.
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