"I share this sentiment and can't figure out why politicians aren't better stewards of the peoples' interest." In part, it's the nature of the job, one has to

"I share this sentiment and can't figure out why politicians aren't better stewards of the peoples' interest." In part, it's the nature of the job, one has to overpromise--since they are voted for something they will do, not something they did, although that may inform what they will do--and then, by definition, underdeliver. Which means first lying and then trying not to get caught, or using one of the varieties of the "things have changed" defense. Unsavory behaviors, no doubt about it. I like to watch on YouTube some old political debates (60s, 70s, 80s) that used to take place in my country and one of the many things I noticed is that, yes, charisma and speed of thought were important, but there was substance behind the positions politicians took. My point is not an "oh, the old days" kind of observation; back then there were many terribly incompetent or outright rogue politicians, but the quality of the median politicians was considerably better.