Stephen Medvic, In Defense of Politicians, explains why Americans believe politicians are dishonest. In 2007, a Gallup poll on the honesty and ethical standards of the professions showed that only 12 and 9 percent of people believed that members of Congress and state office holders held themselves to high standards (Medvic, p. 2). Additionally, Americans tend to like their representatives more than members of Congress because they view them as real people. Americans view Congress as a group of greedy politicians who do not represent their interests (Medvic, p. 4). Popular culture also plays a role in Americans' distrust of politicians. Late night television shows use politicians in their comedy sketches, where their mistakes are punchlines for the comedians. A study by Jody Baumgartner and Jonathan Morris found that people who watch late-night television shows have a more negative view of the candidates (Medvic, p. 5). In particular, people who watch The Daily Show have significantly less confidence in the electoral process (Medvic p. 5). Russell Peterson argues that these jokes are "implicitly undemocratic" because they declare the entire system to be fraudulent (Medvic, p. 5). The public falls into three main traps when it comes to politicians. The first main trap that the public falls into is the “leader-follower trap”. The public wants politicians to be leaders, but when they don't lead the way citizens want, they are not appreciated. It is unfair for them to expect politicians to show the path they believe the country should follow and also follow what the citizens want (Medvic, p. 9). Another trap that the public falls into is that of the “principled and pragmatic trap.” The public wants politicians to stand up for what they believe in, but also to negotiate to resolve problems...... middle of paper ...... his loss of his congressional seat occurred when he supported an embargo against the British which would depress all future international trade. In the eyes of the people of Massachusetts, this was a betrayal because many commercial, shipbuilding, and fishing businesses were located there. His support for the embargo caused the majority of Massachusetts businesses to collapse. Nine months before his term ended, the legislature voted for JQA's successor (Kennedy 44). In JFK's eyes, John Quincy Adams was courageous because he stood up for what he believed was right and, in doing so, gave up his reelection bid. He sacrificed his own popularity by taking a position on the embargo that was diametrically opposed to that of the people of Massachusetts. Additionally, John Quincy Adams sacrificed the rewards of his loyalty to his party when he publicly attended the opposition party's town meeting..