In politics, it's often said that the shorter the case, the better for your campaign. This means that concise and straightforward messaging resonates better with voters than complex and convoluted arguments. But what if the shortest case of all is to not take a side at all? What if being apolitical is the key to success?
Many conservatives are looking for a scapegoat, but working out simply where to point the finger may not be enough at the next election. Instead, some argue that the solution lies in being apolitical. By staying neutral, candidates can appeal to a wider audience and avoid alienating potential voters who may not agree with their political views.
But being apolitical is not without its drawbacks. For one, it can be seen as lacking conviction or being indecisive. In a world where politics is increasingly polarized, being neutral can also make it difficult to differentiate oneself from other candidates, making it harder to stand out in a crowded field.
Despite these challenges, some politicians have successfully adopted an apolitical stance. Take for example, the Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, who has been praised for his bipartisan approach and ability to work with both Republicans and Democrats.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many politicians have been criticized for politicizing the crisis. But being apolitical can provide a much-needed respite from the partisan bickering that has become all too common. Britain's COVID inquiry was supposed to give closure to people who lost loved ones in the pandemic. Instead, it's become a political circus, with blame being shifted back and forth between political parties.
But being apolitical isn't just about avoiding partisanship. It can also be a useful tool for achieving policy goals. Researchers from Columbia University visited five states to see how they were using money from the American Rescue Plan to build their infrastructure. They found that apolitical bodies, such as municipal governments, were more effective at getting things done than those with a political agenda.
In some cases, being apolitical can even be a matter of life and death. National security is one area where politics should be kept out of the equation. When decisions are made based on political considerations rather than on what's best for the country, the consequences can be dire.
At the same time, being apolitical doesn't necessarily mean being passive. In fact, it can be a powerful tool for effecting change. Rachel Maddow looks at the desperation of Ron DeSantis to convince Republican voters that his 'war on woke' makes him worth their 2024 vote. By taking a neutral stance, politicians can avoid getting bogged down in divisive issues and focus on what's really important: making a positive difference in people's lives.
Of course, being apolitical is not just about politicians. It's also about institutions. The PML-N never talks of being on “one page” and always believed that the army and agencies should remain apolitical, N-league Senator Afnan, said in an article. At a time of rising antisemitism on campus, why is a professional academic association, headquartered in Virginia, poised to embark on a controversial political agenda? Institutions that remain neutral can avoid getting caught up in political controversies and instead focus on their core mission.
But being apolitical is not always easy. In Oregon, for example, bipartisan collaboration was once a point of pride. But now, Republicans have brought the Senate to a halt with a political boycott, making it harder for lawmakers to get things done.
In Thailand, a military coup in 2014 has resulted in a political system that is deeply divided. But the recent general elections have shown that there is a hunger for apolitical leadership. The results were a shock to the Thai political system, with a new party emerging that promised to be neutral and non-ideological.
In conclusion, being apolitical can be a powerful tool for achieving success in politics and beyond. It can help politicians appeal to a wider audience, avoid partisan bickering, and achieve policy goals. It can also be a matter of life and death in areas such as national security. But being apolitical is not without its challenges, and it can be difficult to stand out in a crowded field. Ultimately, it's up to each individual and institution to decide whether being apolitical is the right choice for them.
