We’d have no politicians. They don’t want to be bound by any of their words. They’d likely all become used car salesmen/women. Or possibly circus side-show barkers.
By definition, they can’t be. No senator/congressman/president (or for that matter county commissioner) has dictatorial power. They all have to negotiate with others.
So even if I make a promise, there is no guarantee that I can get other people to vote to support the law (or idea, or regulation).
That’s why political promises should never be believed.
@elbanditoroso This. Breaking promises can’t always be blamed entirely on the politicians (not that that really matters, but it is true that a system that ensures political stalemate is as to blame as individual politicians). The point is to take political promises with a grain of salt.
Though I might get on board with politicians taking a Harry Potter-style “unbreakable vow” (meaning you die if you break it) not to reverse positions on issues they campaigned on or to give up fighting for them.