Why I Won't Run for Office

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[jenniferspangler]

Bless Stan for using his sneakiness to get us more Crash Course Literature :)

[ashleyjohnson]

To any women reading this comment thread: *RUN FOR OFFICE!* Women win elections in equal proportion to men when they run. The reason we have so few female public officials is that fewer women than men run for office.

[ShadowlandStudio]

I ran against a 20 year incumbent state rep. last year as a 19 year old who is part of the minority party in my area, and I can say that running for office on a local state level involves a lot of walking, shaking hands, realizing that you have no idea how to solve these issues whiling trying to make it look like you do, and meeting a lot of really nice and cool people with a small amount of people who just want to be left alone. Over all it was a really good experience I think. I really grew as person during that time

[pieceful_puzzling]

Daniel Biss! We haven't heard that name in a while. Man, he has moved up in the world in the last 10 years.

[thewinterizzy]

The image of John in a DFTBA shirt chanting "so are we done here yet so are we done here yet" at a conference table with a bunch of rich businessmen in suits is the most hilarious imagery I've had all day, thank you.

[Achillez]

It's just like how Socrates said. Those who are truly qualified to exercise power, and understand the great responsibilities of doing so, are often those who do not want to be in power. John Green is such a person.
Those who think they are qualified to exercise, those who think they are capable of holding great responsibilities, are often neither qualified or responsible people, but the ones in power anyways. Both presidential nominees of the most recent US election are clear examples of this.

[DestBassoonist]

I guess you could say John would run FROM office. (you know, where the meetings are.)

[jillturley]

I'm an Illinois resident and Daniel Biss actually worked with one of my friends on that conversion therapy bill. I'm so thankful this man is in my state

[FictionWriter]

Yeah, a few years ago we had 2 former governors in prison all at the same time. Ah, Illinois, the only state where someone asking about a former governor in prison prompts the response "Which one?"

[kateh]

I admire people like Daniel Biss who work so hard in such a difficult situation I could NEVER do that.

[nobodylistens]

This pingpong-trick sounds awesome! I might change it up a bit, and invite people I want to have a serious conversation with to play Settlers of Catan! Thanks, John!

[switchingtime]

My 23 year old sister is running for freaking city council and the amount of money she has to raise is ridiculous. Apparently everyone told her that she should wait a year or two to get more experience and save up some money but after the election she decided to take action now. It's nice to hear about other non-corrupt politicians she might someday get to work with. Great vid as always, John.

[stormbob]

There's a piece in The Hill today on Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) where she's quoted as saying, "We're here to help people, and if we're not doing that we should go the f**k home."

More of that, please.

[jotalina]

You may not be running for anything in your state/country, but you are inspiring people from all around the world with your videos. Love from Chile, and thanks for all the hard work you two put into your channels.

[rigopatino]

John Green, if Daniel Biss becomes president will you accept a cabinet position from him?

[bookwyrmn]

Thankyouthankyouthankyou for givimg me this heads up! I live in Illinois, abd haven't left work yet to vote. Yay!!! I had done research when you mentioned him previously, and I really hope he wins!!

[LuneFromage]

I want to be in a political office (because I think I'd do a good job governing and listening to the concerns of my constituents whilst also weighing up ethical concerns), but I don't want to run for office, because I think I'd be a bad politician. It seems sad that our political system tends to favor those who are good at running for office and not necessarily those who are good at governing.

[cindysnoopy]

SO excited that he's running. I've already donated to his campaign and am looking forward to knocking on doors and doing my part here in Chicago!

[PixelyCeluloide]

Would you consider doing a video about muy country Venezuela? I know news are stressful but Many things are happening there, the government recently did a self-coup and there is many social chaos. I think this is an issue that more people should know about and I really would like to see yours or Hank´s take on it.

[Alverant]

I live in Illinois and I cut cable last November so I've been spared the election commercials (my town had a local election today which makes your post creepily appropriate). So to find out who to vote for I actually had to get a sample ballot and check on all the names. At least now I know who to vote for in the gubernatorial election. Thanks!