Displaying intelligence can sometimes be a politician's downfall.

Displaying intelligence can sometimes be a politician's downfall.

Throughout history the common citizen has had mixed opinion and often disapproving tone toward politicians. This disapproval can be attributed to many reasons such as lack of support for citizens rights or needs and partiality shown toward certain groups. Certain qualities such as intelligence, honesty and commitment are necessary to be a successful politician. However, intelligence is an important quality, for politicians to have but it only is effective in certain settings.

Politicians who appear to be intelligent tend to identify themselves with the wealthy elite such and well educated upper classes. This attitude of partiality and intelligence would lead to their downfall because the common man, say Joe the Plumber would not be inclined to support this politician. For example, in 2008, the former President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharaf was interviewed by the US on CBS 60 minutes. On this interview Musharaf stated that Pakistan was in the dark ages of conceit and deception during time of war, and to comfort the Pakistani viewers he displayed overconfidence and intelligence in that he knew what was needed to be done for Pakistan to get back on its feet. For instance, he mentioned the fact of increasing educational opportunities in math and science which resulted in major disapproval and decline in popularity ratings. Musharaf’s statement was very hypocritical due to the fact that he came into power during the military coup and did not strive for persistence and hard work like the common man. An another example, would be President Bush during the post 9-11 era in the US. In his first term of office he made some very hypocritical and often controversial comments. For instance, he tried to justify fighting terrorism in Iraq to eradicate Saddam Hussein from power and that Saddam had “weapons of mass destruction”. However, it turned out that Bush’s overconfidence as the Commander in Chief hurt his approval ratings and support. Therefore, it is evident showing intelligence may cause downfall.

On the other hand, a politician’s intelligence may actually help them in the long run and increase their approval ratings. For example, making insightful comments and suggestions to the general public are the first steps to gain approval from “Joe the Plumber”.  An intellectual image can depend on the political or cultural climate. Politicians who flaunt their intelligence, popular to a public searching for a technocratic leadership like Britain in the 1960s. Mao Tse-Tung’s image as a political philosopher was promulgated actively by communist propaganda. It would have added to Mao’s approval ratings every time he showed intelligence, because that’s what people want. Lastly, President Abdul Kalam of India has always appealed to India’s youth by stressing the importance of science and mathematics. So by stressing the importance of education and appealing to the youth he gained support and has resulted as an icon in India as a pioneer for higher education.

All in all, intelligence can be harmful or beneficial depending on which side is examined. Having intelligence that does not interest or benefit the common citizen is harmful and will result in decline. Whereas, showing intelligence in issues that matter to the public will lead to increase ratings.