New House Speaker's Decency and Electability Marred by Election Denialism
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New House Speaker Mike Johnson has a reputation as a humble, decent, and approachable leader, though his involvement in election denialism raises concerns.
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Politicians face constraints from voters and colleagues, so evaluating them requires acknowledging political realities while also judging character.
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Richard Nixon's policy legacy is overshadowed by his Watergate scandals, while Ronald Reagan's controversial decisions are often forgiven.
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George Wallace's blatant racism early in his career transitioned to earning 90% of the black vote in a later governor run, showing the power of forgiveness.
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A politician's character and genuineness matter more to their legacy than specific policies or political maneuvers.