Final answer:
Politicians should tune into the general public and address local concerns before adopting virtue as an election-year slogan, ensuring their policies resonate with the electorate's interests and perceptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before embracing virtue as their latest election-year slogan, politicians would do well to tune into the general public and their constituents. Political philosophers assert the importance of politicians demonstrating traits like bravery, integrity, humility, and kindness, but in practice, politicians need to carefully assess public sentiments and opinions. In essence, the savvy politician must be attuned to the shifting moods of the electorate, adjusting their positions and behavior accordingly.
This alignment of political stances with public opinion is crucial, particularly for individuals such as House members, who face frequent elections, as well as presidents and justices who must navigate a more complex political landscape. Gaining the support of voters, including college students, requires candidates to exhibit qualities and policies that resonate with the electorate's interests, needs, and perceptions of benefit, whether tangible or intangible. As all politics is local, engaging with local concerns and demonstrating successful constituent casework can be a key strategy for political success.