From what most media outlets say and the way most people talk, it would seem that the most important thing politicians do is make speeches. Talk, talk, talk, day after day. Some words bring headlines, perhaps unwanted. Other words bring praise or condemnation. In the end, what is most remembered about politicians is their words, not their actions.
Sometimes words and actions go together, as when a public official announces a decision they have the authority to make. Other times actions follow words, as when a politician promises they will do something specific, usually after the election. But most of the time words are sufficiently vague and actions are sufficiently long in coming that it’s hard to tell whether or not promises were kept.
What really makes a difference is what politicians do, not what they say. So the way to judge politicians is by their actions, and their results. That means one should pay little attention to their words and much more attention to their actions. Why is this so hard for people to do?
For one thing, the media make it hard to do. It is much easier for the media to talk about a politician’s words rather than their actions, which need to be explained and may get into complex details. And so the media focuses on a politician’s latest off-hand remark rather than on what document they signed or directive they gave.
Where is the action-oriented media? Mostly the business press. Those in business require knowledge of actions that may affect them rather than the daily brouhaha of political blather. Otherwise, specialized media have updates for particular issues. Are you interested in environmental issues? Subscribe to an environmental newsletter. Religious freedom? Follow a Christian news source. Your town council? Go to some meetings yourself.
The bottom line is that most talk by politicians is hot air, which should be no surprise. So don’t pay attention to it. Follow their actions instead. Chercher l’action.