Almost Nothing is Off Limits to Transactional Politicians

We have created in this nation a breed of politicians who practice what has become known as “transactional politics” - the dealmakers. These transactional politicians exchange, trade and barter with other transactional politicians to make the deal. Almost nothing is off limits if it is within their grasp, whether emotional, political, psychological or personal. Their concern is not primarily for the consequences of the transaction or its long-term effects, but the deal itself. Their goals are rarely lofty, their objectives frequently shallow.

Lyndon Johnson was the model of the modern transactional politician. His time as the Senate majority leader changed - dramatically - how the process works. From open debate, which engages the public, he moved the process to restricted, closed-door meetings and manipulation. Strange as it may seem, political historians and pundits rationalize - with a curious sense of appreciation - Johnson’s mastery of “arm twisting,” both literal and figurative.

A long way from being ashamed, transactional politicians are so enamored and immersed in their art that they proclaim proudly their ability to navigate the backrooms, notwithstanding that they often disenfranchise their constituency. They grow uncomfortable and protest when their constituents want an accounting. When the people they represent disagree with their practices and deeds, or merely question their political positions and motivations, they accuse them of being ungrateful for their mastery of their art.

The Politics of Waiting and Waiting and Waiting

The most common and revealing characteristic of the transactional politician, especially the novice, is that he is a waiter. He takes office and waits. He waits until the system designed by his predecessors in transactional politics grant him a voice, until he has “seniority” or a “powerful” committee assignment, until the system grants him the carrot he needs to bribe and the stick he needs to discipline.

Meanwhile, where is our voice? Who speaks for us? Who raises the banner? Who enters the debate?

Transactional politicians waste our political capital waiting, all the while telling us that they are on the threshold of power and influence. Give them some time, they plead. Then they warn us that we will be the losers if we remove them from office.

Phony Paradigms of Power

The great irony is that those politicians who submit to and practice transactional politics seldom prove effective. They dutifully wait and submit to the pressures and prizes of their seniors before entering the debate in any meaningful manner. Nevertheless, once they acquire “the carrot and the stick” themselves, they remain - more often than not - ineffectual and frustrated, unable to utilize their chairmanship or their seniority to actually achieve the promised results their constituents expect.

The belief that time, seniority and structural power are necessary before taking action has perpetuated transactional politics. We need representatives who will not fall victim to these phony paradigms of power.

Representatives Who Raise the Debate to Higher Levels

We need those who believe that the design of this great nation is its genius. They raise the debate to higher levels of motivation and morality. Yes, even morality, because the way they practice politics raises the level of human conduct and ethical aspirations.

Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Reagan epitomize these kinds of public officials. They believed strongly and with passion. So thoroughly did they believe that others believed also and they shaped history. They were guided by character, principle and vision.

So, where can we find public officials of this class - in the mold of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Reagan? To varying degrees, they can be found today in both political parties, in both houses of Congress, the Executive and the Judiciary. They exist alongside and interact with the transactional politician.

Such men and women are not pit bulls; they do not walk the corridors of Congress scowling. They seldom label their opponents as ‘stupid’ or their ideas as ‘obscene’. To do so would marginalize their effectiveness, no matter the value and worthiness of their cause.

To the contrary, they possess a highly developed sense of civility. They advocate strongly but they can disagree without being disagreeable. They bring to the debate a genuine respect for their adversary as a natural part of the dialogue, of the process, because they understand that this is how good public policy is made in our system of government, because they recognize that this is how liberty is secured and freedom promoted.

Ridding Ourselves of Transactional Politicians

We cannot afford transactional politicians. Those who represent us in Congress must be willing to work on our behalf, to be our voice, and not simply wait in the hallway until being summoned to join their seniors. They must be willing not only to work in the light and not behind closed doors, but also to carry the light into the darkened corners on our behalf. We must send representatives to Congress who will carry our standard with strength and civility.

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