Consideration for Candidates

Thinking about running for a competitive office? It’s worth taking a moment to reflect on some biblical wisdom. In Luke 8:17, it states, “For there is no secret that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be known and brought to light.” This perspective is something many Roman Catholics encourage—pondering the “last four things”: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. The idea is that one’s entire life is considered in the final assessment, influenced by the belief that God is aware of everything.

Political Challenges

Historically, political media hasn’t always been transparent. There have been moments when facts were obscured, well-known among certain circles but kept quiet. A prime example is President John F. Kennedy. While many insiders knew about his issues, they chose silence. This pattern of concealment is evident across party lines, a shared practice of keeping scandals under wraps.

Now, more than ever, candidates face the unyielding truth of Luke 8:17, as adversaries are more equipped to uncover every detail.

The days of political secrecy are fading. Take President Obama, for instance—his approach was shaped by a simple belief: if you can win, you should. Many politicians, regardless of their party, adopt similar mindsets. While politics may not seem as intense as warfare, it’s certainly no game. As the spotlight shines on their pasts, candidates often find their lives in turmoil or, worse, destroyed.

This brings up an important reality—that every candidate needs to be aware that secrets are hard to keep. With the media landscape expanding, more journalists are on the lookout for the next big story. The desire for clicks drives them to dig into the pasts of candidates, bringing skeletons out of closets that might be better left in the dark.

Media’s Role

Telling scandalous stories—whether about a Republican or Democrat—catches attention and enhances a journalist’s visibility. There’s virtually no rumor too wild to investigate, and people with grievances have a chance to air out old secrets during campaigns.

It’s crucial for candidates to undertake thorough self-examinations and seek input from knowledgeable allies who can critique their pasts. It’s a given that no matter how unappealing a story might be, if it’s out there, it will be reported.

Graham Platner’s Withdrawal

This topic is particularly relevant for Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate from Maine. He announced his withdrawal from the race recently, grappling with his own history. It’s a reminder that every life is shaped by scrutiny—what’s done cannot be taken back or merely explained away. Candidates must confront this reality head-on. It’s imperative to recognize that everything about you can and likely will become public knowledge, and the negative aspects often overshadow the positive.

Chris Matthews, a former MSNBC host, famously advised addressing issues upfront. “If there’s a political issue, hang a lantern on it,” he stated. This principle rings especially true in the modern political landscape.

As candidates kick off their campaigns, they may need to confront the less admirable aspects of their lives. If one cannot withstand the harsh light of self-disclosure and genuine contrition, they are likely to face failure—often a painful one.

Ultimately, if things don’t come to light from supporters or insiders, candidates may find that their repercussions are even greater than if they had simply owned their pasts. Lessons should be taken from this; Platner’s situation serves as an example for future candidates. Everything eventually surfaces.