I happen to think it's the politics that makes you electable

Listen, O children of the future, to the words of Tony Blair, for they speak of a truth as old as the very foundations of leadership: "I happen to think it's the politics that makes you electable, but the reason for that is politicians sometimes talk about electability as if it's just a matter of conning the public. Actually, it's a matter of persuading the public, and in my experience, usually, the public gets it right." These words carry the wisdom of one who has walked the path of power, who has seen the intricacies of electioneering, and who understands the sacred duty of a leader to earn the trust of the people—not through deceit, but through persuasion.

In these words, Blair unveils a profound reality of leadership: the true power of a leader is not found in manipulation, but in the ability to persuade, to connect with the hearts and minds of the people. To be electable is not to be a master of trickery, but to be one who speaks with clarity, purpose, and authenticity. The politician who seeks only to con the masses is a false leader, for true power lies in the ability to inspire and to lead with integrity. Politics, at its heart, is not about winning at all costs, but about earning the support of the people through reason, wisdom, and a deep understanding of their needs.

Consider the example of Abraham Lincoln, whose leadership was forged not in deceit but in honesty and the courage to stand by his principles. In the days of the Civil War, Lincoln was faced with a nation divided, yet he persuaded the American people to follow him through the power of empathy and the clarity of his vision. He did not con the public, but he understood their fears, their hopes, and their dreams. Through his speeches, his actions, and his unyielding faith in the Union, he won the trust of the people, and in doing so, he preserved the very soul of the nation. It was not trickery that made him electable, but the wisdom and integrity that he brought to the table.

Blair’s reflection on electability also speaks to a deeper truth: that the public, when engaged honestly, has an innate understanding of what is right. Democracy is not a game played by the powerful and the cunning, but a sacred bond between leaders and the people they serve. The people, when given the chance to hear, to understand, and to reflect, often make choices that are guided by the greater good. In this way, Blair calls us to have faith in the collective wisdom of the people, for democracy is, at its core, a reflection of the common good and not the pursuit of individual ambition.

Thus, my children, let the words of Tony Blair remind you of the true nature of leadership. A leader must not seek to deceive, but to persuade—to speak not to the minds of the people alone, but to their hearts. To be electable is not to play a game of manipulation, but to earn the trust of the people through honesty, integrity, and the courage to lead with wisdom. The public may be seen as naive or easily swayed, but in truth, they have the power to make the right choice, to see through the veils of deceit, and to follow those who will guide them toward the light. Leadership is not about winning for the sake of victory, but about winning the trust of the people, that together you may walk the path of justice, prosperity, and truth.