This article is part of our Principled Voter series.
A principled voter asks: Is this candidate empathetic?
“Democracy, in its essence and genius, is imaginative love for and identification with a community with which, much of the time and in many ways, one may be in profound disagreement.” — Marilynne Robinson
What does it mean to be empathetic? A principled voter supports leaders who seek to understand and connect with those they represent — and not just people who vote for them. Empathetic leaders know their own experiences are not universal, so they make sincere efforts to understand how policies (or their absence) might affect all of their constituents.
What is at stake? Peaceful democracies need leaders who can understand and persuade others. Empathy allows us to acknowledge our common humanity, establish relationships of trust, and bridge divides. This is particularly important in a pluralistic and diverse society like ours.
Without empathetic leaders at its head, our government (and even our fellow citizens) can quickly become indifferent or even cruel.
Why does it matter?
Empathetic leaders are more effective at finding common ground and reaching a compromise.
To move away from toxic polarization, we need leaders who are able to build trust by decreasing prejudice and bias. Empathy is a proven key to accomplishing this.
In times of crisis or tragedy, we need leaders who can unify and heal by showing compassion toward those who are hurting.
How can I tell if a candidate is empathetic?
They work to improve the lives of all they serve — regardless of their party, faith, ethnicity, or class.
They are inclusive, seeking out and being advised by people with a range of life experiences.
They acknowledge that our personal struggles (whether social, economic, or otherwise) do not define us. They do not shame or discount those who are hurting.
No candidate is perfect, but some may be more empathetic than others.
Patterns of behavior can reveal a candidate’s character. Ask yourself:
Do they talk more about others’ needs than themselves? Do they speak of “we” more than “me”?
Do they respond to suffering and crises with a desire to help?
Do they set a positive tone by speaking about others with dignity and compassion? Or do they dehumanize others to rally their own supporters?
Principled voters are golden rule voters. They consider whether their vote will harm others, and they use their vote to create a better shared future.
Voting for candidates who exhibit empathy sets a positive standard for how we treat each other and helps us build the beloved community.
Character matters. Hope votes.
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