Politics often mirrors the dynamics of team sports in this way, where loyalty to “our team” can create blind spots that allow us to overlook, excuse, or justify actions we would likely criticize in an opponent. This tendency is tied to psychological concepts like confirmation bias (only seeing information that supports our beliefs) and in-group loyalty (defending our group to maintain a sense of belonging and shared identity). When this happens, supporters may grant their candidate “carte blanche,” unintentionally allowing them to overstep constitutional or ethical boundaries.
Here’s how this dynamic can manifest in politics and why it’s important to be aware of it:
Overlooking Accountability
- Loyalty to a political “team” can lead to less scrutiny and accountability for actions that deserve it. Supporters may be more willing to ignore or rationalize questionable behaviors, policies, or decisions simply because they trust the leader’s intentions or assume they know best.
- The result is that even when policies infringe upon rights or exceed the powers granted by the Constitution, supporters might give their leaders a pass, seeing these actions as acceptable or necessary because they align with their overall beliefs.
Erosion of Checks and Balances
- The Constitution is designed with checks and balances to prevent any one branch or leader from becoming too powerful. When we blindly support leaders, assuming they are always acting for the greater good, it can erode these essential checks.
- Without accountability, leaders from any side can overstep their authority, consolidating power in ways that may not be immediately obvious but have long-term implications for democracy and individual rights.
Normalizing Overreach and Partisan Bias
- When “our team” disregards norms or stretches legal limits, it can normalize these actions, making them acceptable or even expected in the political landscape. This can lead to a “race to the bottom,” where each side justifies their own overreach by pointing to previous examples from their opponents, further straying from constitutional principles.
- The result is a dangerous cycle where each political group incrementally erodes the very framework meant to limit government power, undermining the rule of law.
Dividing Citizens and Weakening Critical Thinking
- Political blind spots encourage polarization, making it difficult to hold meaningful, bipartisan discussions on issues of national interest. Instead, issues become “us versus them” rather than a question of what serves the people or upholds constitutional values.
- With blind loyalty, supporters may avoid critically examining the policies, rhetoric, or actions of their chosen leaders. This diminishes constructive debate, leaving important discussions sidelined by partisan loyalty.
How We Can Counteract This
To be truly principled, fair, and consistent, we must hold our own candidates to the same standards we’d apply to anyone else, including those we oppose. This approach builds a foundation for justice, integrity, and unity in our society. Here’s how each of these guiding principles can help us become more balanced and constructive in our political and civic lives:
Encourage Accountability Across the Board
- Consistent Standards: To hold all leaders to the same standard, regardless of party, ensures that they respect the rule of law and democratic principles. Accountability shouldn’t be selectively applied based on political alignment.
- Demand Transparency: Insist on clear communication, transparency in decision-making, and adherence to ethical standards. This applies whether the candidate is ours or from an opposing party.
- Reward Integrity, Not Partisanship: By demanding accountability, we make it clear that we value honest governance over party loyalty. This helps set a standard for politicians that power is a responsibility, not a free pass.
Emphasize Principles Over Personalities
- Focus on Core Values: Stand by principles like fairness, honesty, respect for rights, and adherence to constitutional limits, regardless of who holds office. These principles are timeless, while individual leaders come and go.
- Avoid Cults of Personality: Resist the tendency to overly idealize or demonize individuals. Leaders should be supported based on their adherence to the principles we believe in, not based on their charisma or party.
- Support Policies, Not Just People: Back policies that align with core values, even if they come from a different “team.” This helps reduce polarization and shows that the pursuit of the common good transcends personalities.
Engage in Critical, Independent Thinking
- Seek Diverse Sources: Look for information across a range of perspectives and challenge your own assumptions. This creates a more nuanced understanding and helps prevent echo chambers.
- Question All Leaders: Even those we like should be questioned and critically evaluated. This doesn’t mean doubting them unfairly, but rather holding them to a standard that ensures their actions serve the public good.
- Avoid Blind Allegiances: Embrace independent thought and resist going along with popular opinion within our political group when it conflicts with core values. True strength in character comes from doing what’s right, not what’s popular.
Foster Unity and Civil Discourse
- Respectful Dialogue: Approach discussions with an open mind, respectful tone, and willingness to listen. Even when we disagree, civil discourse allows us to learn from each other and find common ground.
- Build Bridges, Not Divides: Aim to connect with others based on shared values, even if you disagree on specific issues or candidates. This promotes a sense of unity and community rather than division.
- Encourage Constructive Solutions: Focus on positive, solution-oriented dialogue that seeks to address issues rather than blame individuals or groups. This mindset helps foster collaboration and genuine progress.
Holding our candidates and leaders to the same standards we’d apply to anyone else strengthens our Constitutional Republic. By encouraging accountability, emphasizing principles, thinking independently, and fostering unity, we create an environment where leaders are incentivized to truly serve the people and uphold the values that matter. In doing so, we contribute to a society that values justice, fairness, and the common good above partisan interests.
Being vigilant about these tendencies strengthens the democratic process and keeps power in check, helping prevent the very overreach the Constitution was designed to guard against. Recognizing and addressing our political blind spots allows us to be more informed, active participants in a healthy Constitutional Republic.
