Michael Wear: If we don't care about character, we get bad leaders

It's not exactly a vintage time for politics in the West. Our prospective leaders either leave us apathetic or drive us into feral tribes.

Perhaps the reason we're left so cold or scared by so many of today's political class is that we've let the importance of character slip away from our political culture. Gone are the days of great power bringing great responsibility (if they ever existed) – instead, we seem to be voting for people whose sole goal is power for its own sake.

Michael Wear, author and former advisor to President Obama, believes we need to make character central to our politics once more if we're to see it reformed. Actions flow out of personality and values. If we cared as much about politicians' humility, kindness, and honesty as we do about their cultural affiliation or soundbite policies, we might begin to move towards a more mature – even godly – politics.

In a year that'll see more than 40% of the global population vote in an election, Michael talks with Paul and Grace about why character matters, and how a refreshed focus on character can create a politics of hope – all of which is grounded in the Christian story.

Michael Wear is the Founder, President and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, and previously led Public Square Strategies, a consulting firm that helps religious organizations, political organizations, businesses and others effectively navigate the rapidly changing American religious and political landscape.

Michael is the author of several books on politics, faith, and culture, and writes for The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Catapult Magazine, and Christianity Today.