The Missing Quality in Business and Government Leadership: Character

The author argues that a lack of character is the defining flaw in today's business and political leaders.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The author reflects on a lesson learned early in their journalism career about the importance of character in leadership. They argue that the absence of character is the key flaw among today's business and government leaders, citing examples from the political and corporate worlds. The author explores how character is defined and manifested, drawing on literary and historical examples. They conclude that restoring leaders of character is essential to preserving the republic and the economy.

Why it matters

The author contends that the lack of character among business and political leaders is a fundamental problem that undermines public trust and the functioning of key institutions. By framing the issue in terms of character rather than specific accusations like racism or corruption, the author aims to move beyond partisan debates and focus on a more universal moral quality.

The details

The author recounts a formative experience early in their journalism career, when an editor advised them to "bully" local politicians who were trying to intimidate the reporter. The editor said these politicians "have no character." This insight about the importance of character has stuck with the author, who sees its absence as a defining flaw in today's leaders. The author explores how character has been defined by philosophers, ministers, judges, novelists and historians, often in terms of moral truth, steadfastness, selflessness, honesty and integrity. They cite examples from literature and history of individuals who displayed character, as well as those who lacked it, and how this shaped events. The author then provides numerous contemporary examples of leaders in business and government who have displayed a "singular lack of character," from corporate executives to politicians. This includes figures like Attorney General Pam Bondi, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Senator Bill Cassidy, and Apple CEO Tim Cook.

  • The author's formative journalism experience occurred early in their career.
  • The author reflects on this lesson in light of recent events, such as the Washington Post layoffs and the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary.

The players

Doug Turner

The editor at the author's first daily newspaper job, who provided the formative lesson about the importance of character in leadership.

Josh Marshall

The founder and proprietor of the blog Talking Points Memo, who the author cites for observing the "profound lack of character and accountability" among American elites.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who the author cites as an example of a leader displaying a "singular lack of character" in evading questions about the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Pete Hegseth

The Defense Secretary who the author says displayed a "singular lack of character" in launching a campaign to demote Senator Mark Kelly.

Bill Cassidy

The Senator from Louisiana who the author criticizes for his lack of character in supporting the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary despite his anti-vaccination history.

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What they’re saying

“Bully them back. They'll fold. These guys have no character.”

— Doug Turner, Editor (Buffalo Courier-Express)

“The failure 'to even show up, literally or figuratively, on a day of devastating cuts epitomizes the profound lack of character and accountability that is so commonplace today within the American elite.'”

— Josh Marshall, Founder and Proprietor (Talking Points Memo)

The takeaway

The author argues that the lack of character among business and political leaders is a fundamental flaw that undermines public trust and the functioning of key institutions. Restoring leaders of character is essential to preserving the republic and the economy.