Should politicians put their family first?

Asked by JLeslie (65452) October 21st, 2015 from iPhone

I remember when Al Gore was running for President and Bush was running in the family values schtick, and a reporter asked Gore what comes first his family or the country. At the time I thought that was a bullshit question. Gore didn’t have a prepared answer from what I could tell, but ended up saying family.

At the time, and now, I say no. No, you are the President, or in congress, and your priority should be the country. Sure, family is important, raising children is important, but in my opinion when you choose to serve the country that is the priority when push comes to shove. Usually, hopefully, there is a life work balance, but an emergency in the country takes priority in my opinion.

What made me think of this again was Paul Ryan’s speech about his priority being his family. Is that what our soldiers say as they kiss their spouse and children goodbye to fight our wars? Doesn’t the greater good matter more than the few? Doesn’t earning an income often require people to put work first?

Most breadwinners in families at least some if the time have to choose work over their family.

What do you think? Should a politicians first priority be the country and the people who elected him or her?