politicians are usually held responsible for stuff that goes on during their term, whether or not they could have done anything about it or even if it's a conse

politicians are usually held responsible for stuff that goes on during their term, whether or not they could have done anything about it or even if it's a consequence of something the previous administration did. these kinds of nuances don't really come across to the voters, so it's much easier to just downplay everything bad that happens on your watch.