General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Criticize the President? We should not even be having serious conversations about this. [View all]MrModerate
(9,753 posts)I think you're mixing up charisma with authoritarianism. Yes, people adore politicians because that's how human beings respond to those they identify as 'leaders.'
Unsurprisingly, this adoration has caused untold human misery throughout our history. It's made worse by modern campaigning methods which as you rightly identify have made elections into exercises in marketing politicians' supposed virtures rather than humbling experiences where they need to appeal to the people to keep their jobs.
But I see no serious pushback against critcizing politicians quite the contrary. With the Internet now the most significant battleground where public political battles are fought, the criticism of politicians (and everyone else) has become almost deafening.
Scathe away at venal politicians you'll be in good company.