This essay by Aiswarya Padmanabhan, MPP ‘25, was awarded second place in the Ford50 essay contest.
In 2001, Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, delivered an insightful statement on leadership while accepting the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. He said, "The ultimate test of leadership is not the polls you take, but the risks you take. In the short run, some risks prove overwhelming. Political courage can be self-defeating. But the greatest defeat would be living without courage, for that would hardly be living".1 This statement, made two decades ago, still holds relevance and deserves careful consideration in today’s complicated political environment. As we navigate these complexities, it becomes vital to assess the evolving nature of political courage and its manifestations in a time characterized by extreme polarization, rapid information spread, and shifting societal norms.
In 2024, political courage can be defined as the willingness to hold principled stances and make decisions that may be unpopular but are essential for the greater good of the nation. This courage manifests in various forms, such as prioritizing long-term benefits over short-term political gains, challenging party orthodoxy, and fostering bipartisan cooperation in the face of potential backlash. However, it is also crucial to recognize that the expression of political courage depends on the context, and must be evaluated within the specific political, social, and economic framework of the era in discussion.
Throughout his presidency, Ford provided several iconic instances of political courage that continue to resonate in contemporary discourse. Although it was first received with widespread public disapproval, his contentious pardon of Richard Nixon was meant to promote national reconciliation following the Watergate scandal.2 This decision exemplifies the intricate relationship between morality and political expediency – a dynamic that is still at the core of many contemporary political debates. In today's context, political courage frequently entails taking positions that might not align with public opinion or parties’ expectations but are deemed necessary for resolving systematic crises or achieving long-term national goals.
The current political climate is characterized by unprecedented levels of partisanship, making bipartisanship increasingly rare and challenging to achieve. According to political scientist Alan Abramowitz, ideological polarization has reached historic levels, with the two major parties in the U.S. more divided than they have ever been.3 Given this, political courage in 2024 will frequently require compromising across party lines to reach agreements on critical issues, even if doing so means upsetting one's supporters. This echoes Ford's approach during his presidency, where he attempted to work with a Democrat-controlled Congress on issues such as the economy and energy policy, despite facing opposition from both parties.4
Another critical dimension of political courage in today's context involves confronting misinformation and conspiracy theories, even when they are popular among one's constituents. In an era dominated by social media and rapid information spread, the courage to stand for truth and fact-based governance is more crucial than ever. Political scientists Jason Reifler and Brendan Nyhan have demonstrated how difficult it may be to refute false information, especially when it confirms people's preconceived notions.5 This emphasizes the importance of political figures like Ford, who are prepared to stand up to misinformation, uphold the integrity of elections, and protect democratic institutions from unjustified criticism—even if it means losing political support.
Another issue that creates a particularly pressing situation and calls for political courage is climate change. Politicians who are serious about addressing climate change frequently have to push for measures that, while unpopular in the short run, are essential to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the long run. This is consistent with Ford's emphasis on taking calculated risks that, while daunting at the time, are vital for the greater benefit.
In the realm of contemporary foreign affairs, political courage may entail seeking diplomatic resolutions to disputes, even in situations where taking a more assertive stance could be politically advantageous. This kind of courage is exhibited by Ford's attempts to uphold détente with the Soviet Union in the face of opposition from conservative elements in both parties.6 Today's leaders navigate equally intricate international ties and conflicts, but they now have to deal with the growing non-state players and the complexity of the multipolar world order.
It is important to note that political courage does not always coincide with objectively beneficial political outcomes. Historical analysis provides examples of leaders who took courageous stands for misguided or even harmful causes. Therefore, political courage must be weighed against wisdom, empathy, and a genuine commitment to serve the public interest. It necessitates a delicate balance between conviction and receptivity to fresh insights and viewpoints, which is especially difficult in today’s fast-paced, often polarized environment.
As we reflect on Ford's words in the context of 2024, it becomes evident that political courage is vital but challenging. The polarized nature of our current political discourse often penalizes those who deviate from party lines or challenge popular narratives. However, as Ford points out, the alternative—a politically uncouth political environment—would be an even larger tragedy. This poses significant queries regarding the institutional and cultural frameworks that either support or obstruct the display of political courage in modern democracies.
In 2024, political courage will mean different things to different people. It will mean overcoming ideological differences, confronting misinformation, making tough choices on long-term issues like climate change, and protecting democratic institutions. The essence of political courage— taking chances for the larger good, even at personal expense—remains a cornerstone of successful democratic leadership, even though particular issues may have changed since Ford's day. Moving forward, it becomes imperative to not only recognize and support acts of political courage, but also to critically examine the structural and cultural factors that shape its expression in our political system. We can hope to confront the complex issues of our day while preserving the integrity of our democratic institutions by cultivating a political culture that prioritizes ethical leadership over mere popularity. In a time when partisanship and short-term thinking are frequently prevalent, Ford's remarks serve as a standing reminder of the lasting value of political bravery in fostering a robust and progressive democracy.
1 Quotes. Quotes | Gerald R. Ford. (n.d.). https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/the-fords/gerald-r-ford/quotes 2 Greene, J. R. (n.d.). Gerald Ford: Domestic Affairs. Miller Center. https://millercenter.org/president/ford/domestic affairs
3 Abramowitz, A. (2011). The Disappearing Center: Engaged Citizens, Polarization, and American Democracy. Yale University Press.
4 Greene, J. R. (n.d.). Gerald Ford: Impact and Legacy. Miller Center. https://millercenter.org/president/ford/impact and-legacy
5 Nyhan, B., & Reifler, J. (2010). When corrections fail: The persistence of political misperceptions. Political Behavior, 32(2), 303–330. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11109-010-9112-2
6 Greene, J. R. (n.d.). Gerald Ford: Foreign Affairs. Miller Center. https://millercenter.org/president/ford/foreign affairs