Will the Real Person Please Stand Up

Jackie Gingrich Cushman's latest column is about how difficult it is to find an authentic politician.

Authenticity requires a focus on core beliefs and the strength to stand firm amidst changing events over which one may have no control. In contrast, the perception of authenticity can be imparted even if it's ungrounded in truth.

You rarely see the words "politics" and "authenticity" in the same sentence, unless the reference is derogatory. People often think of politicians as polished, controlled and contrived, not authentic and real.

Fair enough. The problem with the political season starting so early, however, is that all of those who are in now, will find their "authenticity" draining away as we get to know them. Flagging up authenticity as a virtue Republican should seek would benefit those not under the spotlight yet. Or at least that's the way it looks to me.

People like Newt Gingrich for example, or Fred Thompson.