I consider it a hallmark of the decline of the American mind when we began conflating wealth or fame with the ability to hold public office effectively. I have no fond memories of Ronald Reagan, and I wept for both Minnesota and California when they decided that bodybuilding and wrestling were acceptable training for the governorship of their states.

People who should know better believe that they are somehow "borrowing" celebrity if they ally themselves emotionally with the rich and famous. We superficially vote for the candidate who is taller, or better looking, or richer, and we suffer for our short-sightedness. Donald Trump won the presidency because when 17 candidates are on a primary ballot, people are going to vote for the name and face they know.

The seduction of fame makes these people themselves believe that they are "qualified" for public office. Since they're rich, then they must be smart, and if people listen to them, then it must be because they are wise, although we all know you have no choice but to listen to your boss. Oprah, The Rock, Mark Cuban, Matthew McConaughey, and, Lord help him, Herschel Walker, have absolutely no business running for office.

Only when we wean ourselves from the drug of adoration and power will we get more of the knowledgeable people we deserve as office holders.