University education in the United States stands among the finest in the world. The faculty of these institutes have generally earned their positions through talent and work and represent a diverse body of experts and intellectuals; some may fall prey to the aloof professor stereotype, but across the system there are certainly many active, informed, and realistic members of the academic community. Additionally, university faculty are often well-networked, extending into the realms of business and politics.
Many members of the academic community appear well-suited for the responsibilities of political power. Why, then, is there such a small influx of academics to national politics?
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December 5, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Derek
Mostly, it’s because to make an influence in national politics, you must win elections. To win elections, you must be “electable”. To be electable, you must do things that people of high regard within an academic community typically wouldn’t do. Pandering, lip service, accepting financial contributions from those you don’t necessarily agree with, etc. There’s the aspect of character, charisma, and perception. Those are usually built-up over time with past public service or public exposure (witness actors, media types, and executives running for office). For many in the “academic community”, attaining that kind of notoriety would be akin to “selling out” and they wouldn’t be interested in it. Then, there’s also the personal aspirations. Just because someone may be qualified, doesn’t mean they want the job. Or even want to seek the job. Running for office in the U.S. political landscape is brutal. You really have to “want it”.
Then again, we’re currently fielding both the first African-American and Woman major-party candidates during this Presidential cycle, and people seem to be responding to them. So, I suppose anything is possible.
December 5, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Jacob
Perhaps many in academia have different ethical standards than the average politician, but there are exceptions in both cases. Not all academics are going to want the Oval Office, but wouldn’t you expect some to seek this? But perhaps the ambitions of academics and politicians are too far removed.
December 6, 2007 at 10:31 am
Derek
I guess I’d only expect academics from the political realm to be interested in the pursuit. And for those that feel qualified, they most likely have a much better quality of life having been entrenched in academia than they would if thrust into the spotlight.
However, I can’t say I’d oppose it if some of the greatest political thinkers of our time decided to run for office. Perhaps instead of putting “food on your family”, we might have someone who actually understands what people around the world have to do to put “food on the table”.
December 7, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Jacob
The peer review process makes willful deceit difficult to conceal indefinitely. I wonder if an academic’s familiarity with this process undermines the concessions (or sometimes downright dishonesty) necessary for a successful political career.