In a recent commentary, Jack Crawford emphasizes the urgent need for ethical leadership in politics, drawing parallels between golf and governance. His reflections were sparked by a column from David Hegg, which critiques the erosion of political and professional ethics, particularly among those in power. Hegg argues that integrity must remain central to leadership, stating, “wrong is wrong, lies are lies, demeaning language and name-calling are unacceptable.”
Crawford uses the well-known golfing habits of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump as a focal point for this discussion. He notes that Trump’s golfing reputation is widely recognized, suggesting that his behavior on the course does not align with the honorable standards expected in both golf and public service. During his 2015-2016 presidential campaign, Trump assured voters he would prioritize his duties over leisure, yet he has reportedly played more rounds of golf in less than five years than his predecessors Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton combined.
Crawford highlights that Trump has also monetized his golf outings by playing at courses he owns, describing this as a “minor revenue stream” compared to the vast wealth generated by his various businesses. This raises questions about the intersection of personal interests and public service, with Crawford advocating for a return to ethical leadership that transcends party lines.
The commentator critiques the concept of “trickle-down economics,” suggesting it primarily benefits the wealthy while leaving the middle and lower classes behind. He proposes a need for “trickle-down ethics,” where leaders of any political affiliation must embody values such as integrity, honesty, and moral responsibility. According to Crawford, the lack of ethical behavior is not confined to one political party; it is a widespread issue across all levels of government and industry.
Crawford stresses personal accountability in addressing the ethical failures of elected officials. He urges voters to denounce dishonesty and unethical behavior, emphasizing that citizens play a role in the problem when they ignore or excuse misconduct from those they support. “That unethical politician is representing you personally; therefore, you are a part of the problem with lack of ethics in government unless you reject it,” he asserts.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Crawford underscores the urgency for voters to demand ethical conduct from their leaders. With less than three years remaining until the election, he calls for a collective effort to prioritize ethics in political discourse and decision-making.
In an interesting aside, Crawford references a search regarding which U.S. president has played the most golf. According to various sources, Woodrow Wilson holds the record with approximately 1,200 rounds during his eight years in office. Following him are Dwight Eisenhower with over 800 rounds, Bill Clinton with about 400, Barack Obama with around 333, and Trump with approximately 308 rounds in his first term, plus 72 in his second term.
Crawford’s commentary serves as a reminder of the critical need for ethics in political leadership—a call to action for citizens as they prepare for the upcoming election cycle. The future of ethical governance depends not only on the leaders chosen but also on the vigilance of those who elect them.