December 16, 2016

Whoa for 2016.  We witnessed ups, downs, and all-arounds, and left plenty of issues needing advocating in 2017.  To wrap up the year and prepare for the next, below are the Top Ten Advantageous Advocacy column tips.

1. Honesty is the best policy.  Once credibility is lost, the ship has sailed.

2. Respect time.  Wasting it is neither appreciated nor forgotten by an official.

3. Agree to disagree.  Never make attacks personal or shoot the messenger.  An advocate may disagree today, but may need to work with that same person in the future.

4. Do not talk about political contributions in an official meeting.  It sends a signal that this person either thinks the staff can be easily bought or that the staff was not professional enough to help unless the “skids were greased.” Offending a staff person is never a good start to a meeting.

5. Trying to go over a staff person’s head is far more likely to damage an advocate’s reputation.  He is often hurting himself and slowing down the process.

6. Honor the lifelines.  As gatekeepers, they can facilitate a request or frustrate it. They can prevent an advocate/lobbyist from ever getting a meeting or provide useful knowledge.

7. Keep it simple.  After surveying of dozens of Hill staff, a whopping 88 percent said that for a first meeting with any group, they would prefer the group assumes the congressional office knows nothing about the topic at hand. Start at the very beginning.

8. In developing a message for an elected official, think RED.  Reason.  Emotion.  District.  Voting is one of the most important duties of an elected official. In a majority of cases, one, or perhaps two, and sometimes even all three categories of RED will greatly influence how an official decides on a vote.

9. Listen.  A person has two ears and one mouth, and should use them in proportion.  Listening requires being humble enough to focus 100 percent on someone else.  Listening entails complete concentration – not just hearing the sounds – but comprehending the words, and noticing body language and other non-verbal cues. Listening to what is NOT being said is also important because most staff and officials do not like giving “bad” news – therefore, an advocate sometimes needs to read between the lines and hear the unsaid no.

10. Develop relationships, not a network.  Far too many individuals are focused on the instant reward, how fast they can work a room, and the number of business cards they can acquire at an event.  What is often overlooked in the networking game is actually developing some of that network into a sincere relationship – yes, a real friend – someone who is trustworthy, genuine, and giving.  In the age of virtual relationships, that real relationship can mean far more, both personally and professionally.  Think more Vanguard, less Pay Day Loan. A person wants to invest in another person, wants for that investment to grow, and would even take it paying back dividends at some point. Note the order of that: giving, growing, possible return.

Remember that everyone is capable of advocacy; passionate and committed people are the crux of advocacy.  In the story, “The Lorax,” by Dr. Seuss, he writes, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

An elected official works for the people. The people’s tax dollars pay his salary. The people who vote determine whether the official keeps his job. For an official to effectively serve and be reelected, he needs information from the people who know the issues best.

Bottom line: officials cannot represent us well if constituents are not willing to share their thoughts, ideas and knowledge through advocacy. Thanks to WisPolitics and everyone for reading.  More on each of the top 10 tips can be found in full by visiting: www.1492communications.com.  Happy holidays and looking forward to a great year of advocacy in 2017.

December 1, 2016

After a busy and political November, this week’s column takes a lighter tone: tips for letters.

Letters and emails are still the most common form of communicating with a member of Congress. Depending on the office, officials often receive hundreds to thousands of letters each week on a range of topics as wide as the ocean.  Emails can easily be sent to most members of Congress via the official’s webpage (Note: this usually requires the constituent’s zip code to start and most sites do not allow for attachments).

Some of these letters are sent as form letters.  These forms are often drafted by an association or a cause, and sent to its membership or supporters, as an URGENT “action item” to sign and forward along to a specific official.  For most officials, unless there is an extremely massive quantity of form letters, the letters may flag the issue, but they do not move the needle.  (And candidly, most staff find them to be a bit of a nuisance).

One of the biggest problems with form letters is that neither officials, nor their staff, really know the level of passion or commitment to the cause that a form letter signer holds.  In surveying staff on this issue, one said that he called a few signers to gain a better understanding of the issue, and one signer said how he did not really know anything, while another said a neighbor asked her to forward it so she did, and so on it goes… not the best advocates.  These letters are usually tallied up, the signer is often sent a courtesy form response back, and that is the end of it.  In my experience, most form letters are a waste of time and a good reminder to always know what is being signed.

Facebook posts are growing more popular, however, an official usually cannot tell if the person is a constituent or not, so this is also not the most effective approach if a constituent is really trying to have a message be heard by his representative or senator.

If a person does not have a relationship with an office from a previous encounter, a good, old-fashioned, signed personal letter or email is still the way to go for written contact.  Keep in mind that snail mail coming into the U.S. Capitol is screened, delaying its arrival.  If an issue is urgent, an email or phone call may be best.  For many offices, ten, genuine, personal letters are far more impactful than 100 form letters.  A personal letter from a constituent that tells the story about how a person is specifically impacted by an issue, shares his opinion on legislation, and is polite and factually accurate, is valued.  Doing all that in one page, and definitely less than two pages, is greatly appreciated.  These are the letters that are READ, not tallied.  Plus, personal letters often need and receive a more personal response.  If a constituent feels his letter was not responded to well, or was too generic, the constituent should write another letter.  Offices keep track of sent letters, so the staff will need to put more effort into a second response, as it should not send the same letter again.

And of course, if letter writing is not a person’s favorite activity, there is always making an actual telephone call to the office or attending a town hall meeting – depending on the issue and time-sensitivity, each method has its own benefits and value.

November 17, 2016

Eight years ago, I teared up on Election Night.  I had quit my job, moved to Iowa – where I knew no one – to spend five months living out of a cheap hotel room and working 18 hour days campaigning for John McCain to be the next president … and then we lost.

I did not understand how America could elect an inexperienced community organizer who, in my eyes, was a talented speaker lacking substance, over a wise, experienced war hero, to be the leader of the free world.  But, the people had spoken.  Democracy worked.  I turned off the news, took a breath and packed my office.

Life always provides winners and losers, and I had lost.  However, I knew the sun would still rise, and that even after campaigning against President-elect Barack Obama because he terrified me, I knew I was beyond privileged to live in the United States – the truest, most elite one percent.

Fast forward eight years, and in irony of all irony’s, on Election Day, I thought, “maybe Obama is not so bad.”  I did not agree with him on almost anything besides a March Madness bracket – but he seemed okay and a good dad.  However, democracy propels us forward.

The pendulum swung hard from “change we can believe in” to change.  Despite the most untraditional campaign, lack of political experience and an unapologizing biased media, people voted for now President-elect Donald Trump.

In the days since, I have read and heard countless comments aimed at Trump and Republicans and Democrats, that are far worse than anything Trump has said.  How does this make us any better?  He started it?  That is the example of civility we set for our children?  Hate – one.  Forgiveness – zero?

Yes, there are bad eggs on both sides who are using this election to act in horrible ways.  But that is exactly what they are – bad eggs.  (Trump was a registered Democrat from August 2001 to September 2009).

The majority of Trump supporters are no more racist and sexist than Hillary Clinton supporters are entitled and whiny losers.
Rather than spewing hate, labeling, or typecasting someone for their vote, we should concede that not all voters liked the choices and remember this in future elections.  For many, it was despite the candidate’s positions, not because of them: what was “less evil” based on personal ideology.  It was not as much racism as resentment – a resentment that grew into a Trump movement as the participation-ribbon, safe-space, no-feelings-left-behind political correctness bubble appeared to be permanently ballooning out of control.

Personally, I have worked in Washington politics for a decade and have experienced the “boys club” firsthand on numerous occasions.  I feared Washington moving backward.  I also know Republican women in the military who feared Clinton, because after Benghazi, she could not be trusted to have their back.

We all voted the way we thought best.  I accept Trump won, and I support him for four main reasons. First, “We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead,” as Clinton compellingly said in her concession speech.  Painful words to utter, yet true.

Campaigning is over and the reset button must be pressed.  No one is perfect, and few of us would like our life scrutinized like a presidential candidate.  In opening my mind, I acknowledged that Trump had a (pretty amazing) female in the top job – something many male leaders would never do.  His eldest daughter is clearly a strong, capable business woman.  This gives me faith.

Second, Trump said a lot of things on the campaign trail, but many will prove as likely as the numerous celebrities who said they would leave the country if he won.  Now that we have struck both sides of the pendulum, perhaps it will not be much longer before we return to the middle, stop tip-toeing around issues and hold honest discussions.  I have hope.

Third, Trump is the president-elect.  Come January 20th, 2017, he is the pilot of Plane America.  We all soar to new heights or crash and burn with him in the cockpit.  I want America to soar.  Before turning my back or passing harsh judgment on him as a person, I will let Trump take office and watch his actions that first 100 days.  When I do not agree, or I witness injustice, I am not going to light cars on fire, or punch people, nor will I wait four years for another election.  I will channel that emotion into having my voice be heard in a constructive way and speaking up for those who cannot.  Love of country.

If you recall, when Obama took office, many thought he oozed arrogance and an ego.  He also had darker hair.  The greatness of the office humbled him… and aged him.  Trump is clearly already recognizing the HUGGEEENESS of this position, and we should allow him the same moment we would want to truly begin to process the weight being placed on our shoulders.  I prefer my glass half-full and do believe he wants to do well by America.  Vice President-elect Mike Pence most certainly does.

Finally, let us not blame all our anger and the world’s problems on one person most of us have never met.  As the former First Lady Barbara Bush said, “Your success as a family…our success as a nation… depends not on what happens inside the White House, but on what happens inside your house.”

Decisions we make start with us.  Actions we take start with us.  In our house.  Not every four years, but every single day.  In all our words.  All our actions.  Our compassion for others.  No elected official, regardless of title, can instantly make our culture in America better – only we can do that by actively living faith, hope and love among each other every day.

November 3, 2016

While at this point, some of us would rather have a colonoscopy, root canal, or even ALMOST a Vikings Super Bowl victory, than hear another word about Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, voting for our elected officials is a privilege that we should not take for granted.

If anyone has been living under a rock, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Every vote counts.  Every vote matters.  Nothing is for certain until the ballots are counted.

There is no excuse to not vote.

Too busy?  According to the A.C. Nielsen Company, the average American watches approximately five hours of television a day.  Make the time to vote.  There are also options to vote early absentee in Wisconsin.

Not registered?  Wisconsin is one of only 10 states (and the District of Columbia) that offers same day voter registration, allowing a person to register right at the polls.  In Virginia, for example, a person would be out of luck to vote, if they were not registered by the middle of October.  Plus, a voter would need a valid excuse to vote early absentee, as well as a valid photo identification.

Don’t like the candidates?  Become a candidate.  Or, get educated sooner in the next primary and vote for who should win, not who is thought to win.  Or, recognize that our nation has had good and bad elected officials in the past and still survived.  Voting is our civic duty.  Demonstrating our support for freedom and democracy is important.  And selecting the leader of the free world is a responsibility that no one should take lightly.

Winston Churchill is quoted as once saying, “The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”  Let us do everything we can to prove him wrong.  Take some time to learn about the candidates on the ballot and make an educated decision based on personal principles when voting.  The individuals we elect will be making decisions that impact our lives for the next two, four, and six years.

October 22, 2016

As a child, I loved going to the voting booth with my dad – back when there were levers to pull for candidates.  When I reached voting age, I practically skipped to the polls to cast my ballot and wore my “I Voted” sticker with pride all day.  This cycle, I am genuinely worried I may be sick on my way to or from my polling place, but I will still vote.

America spoke.  These are our nominated party candidates.  To not vote is squandering a privilege others long to hold.  To not vote is a vote: a vote in support of everything a person opposes because he did nothing to change the outcome.

Although many people, myself included, are disheartened by the top of the ticket selections, we must still show up on November 8.

Votes matter.  We cannot assume anything and should not take anything for granted.  Nothing is certain until the ballots are counted.

But how to decide when the two front-runners hold the lowest favorability ratings ever in a presidential cycle?  The Washington Post recently researched what voters do when they consider every option bad and found that people tend to vote by rejecting the choices they do not like, instead of affirmatively choosing the one they dislike the least.  Whatever works for the voter mindset …

We are fortunate to live in the United States. Winston Churchill once said, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”

Our nation is the envy of people across the globe who do not have the right to vote.  Voting is a privilege.  It demonstrates a small attitude of gratitude that says, “I’m grateful to live in such a great country and I am doing my part.”  Reports of low voter turnout are a sad representation of our nation, regardless of how frustrated we feel this cycle.  Yes, government can be slow, and yes, elected officials are human and make mistakes, but voting can bring about change – look at the Tea Party movement or the UK’s Brexit vote for recent examples (for better or worse).

Sometimes advocating a position means compromise, not extremes, but it does not mean giving up.  Sometimes it means waiting a turn instead of instant gratification, but we still must try to move the ball forward.  And, sometimes voting is not all about us, but the overall greater good.

Our votes should be cast based on more than who sounds like us, or who we would like to drink a beer with, or our level of anger.  We are electing the leader of the free world.  This is a huge responsibility to our family, friends, and fellow citizens here at home, and to people across the entire globe – especially those who do not hold the right to vote.  Of the candidates, who is best to lead the nation for the next four years?  Represent us on the global stage?

If we do not like our choices, then let this be a lesson for us.  And let us hope that Washington officials also learn a lesson and become more action-orientated.

Perhaps in future elections we all could pay more attention to substance over soundbites.  We may live in a 24-hour news cycle world, but maybe instead of saying he or she holds my attention, or speaks the best, maybe it is time to start examining plans, policies, and records of achievement.  Maybe we should be listening more to what a candidate is truly saying – regardless of the candidate’s level of energy when saying it, appearance, or how well the candidate works the media.

With all that said, let us not lose hope.  Our great nation has had good and not-so-good presidents in the past, and we have endured and prospered because of, and sometimes even in spite of, that president.  Our nation is bigger and stronger than any one individual.

Additionally, the Founding Fathers were wise in establishing a system that leaves much of the critical decision making to states and local governments.  Leaders for positions at the state, county, and local governments are on ballots across the country, and are worth our consideration, as well as a trip to the polling place.  These elected officials are far more likely to impact our daily lives than the president, so please research them and cast the ballot accordingly.

Yes, I dread voting for a presidential candidate this election.  However, at the end of the day, I am grateful to live in an amazing country where I have the right to vote, and I am appreciative of all the candidates who are willing to run for office and serve in a (often) thankless job.

October 6, 2016

As Congress is in recess until the November election, now is a great time to catch-up on some homework. By homework, I mean the Congressional version of ABC’s and 123’s, such as knowing bill sponsors and numbers, and preparing one-pagers.

Before any meeting or contacting an elected official, it is critical to do the necessary homework to ensure advocates position themselves in the best light and are viewed as a trustworthy source. Some items seem really simple, but they are often overlooked by groups. As a result, the group loses some credibility. For instance, I cannot even count the number of times a group lobbied my office on a piece of legislation without knowing the actual bill number. In my informal survey of Hill staff, this occurrence was common throughout their meetings as well. In corporate America, this would be like not having cost estimates for a project, or in the classroom, the teacher not knowing what chapter the class was on.

It is important to remember that while a group may eat, sleep and breathe that one specific bill, Members of Congress and staff deal with more than 10,000 pieces of legislation that are introduced into Congress each session. To ensure the member and staff are aware of the correct legislation, make sure they have the bill specifics: a group advocating in support or opposition of a bill should always provide the bill name, number, and sponsor.

For some homework extra credit, be aware that these numbers often change with a new session. Come January, Congress hits the reset button, which means bills need to be reintroduced and will then receive a new number.

Another good homework project is preparing a one-page document with all the pertinent information of the legislation in an easy-to-read format. Yes, this should include the bill name, number, and sponsor, and if it has a companion bill in the other chamber, but a one-page document should also include useful facts, such as a brief bill summary, cost estimates, historical framework, district impacts, timelines and so forth. This document is what members and staff will read first, so it should be full of details and accurate. Many groups like to provide the one-pager during the meetings, however, a majority of staff, would prefer receiving the one-pager ahead of time to be better informed on the issue. This can be done by sending it with the meeting confirmation email and also bringing copies to the meeting. After all, does a group prefer the member or staff read it A) while the group is presenting, or B) ahead of time to provide for a better meeting conversation?

Those answering B receive the “A” for the day!

September 22, 2016

Nails on the chalkboard. Cracking knuckles. Constant pen clicking. Each of these noises can highly annoy someone – even on a good day.

Advocates can also give their meeting hosts that same highly annoyed feeling – not through noises – but by making some common meeting mistakes – mistakes advocates often don’t know they are making. Staff may not directly indicate their pet peeves, however, they may be rolling their eyes on the inside, subtly looking at their watch, or making a mental note to not take an advocate’s next meeting request – or certainly not schedule it with the boss.

Based on my own experiences, and an informal survey of staff, some common meeting pet peeves include:

Calling the official by his first name. It is great that an advocate donated money, campaigned for the official, went to grade school with him, attends the same church, or has known his buddy for a decade, however, if an advocate is meeting in the official’s office where the official holds a title that he worked hard to earn – an advocate should be respectful and use that title, whether the official is present or not.

Speaking of names, incessant name dropping. Staff get it, advocates want them to think they are important and know everyone, etc., however if name dropping is the method of choice to make that known, no staff person is being wowed. Focus on being prepared, organized and having a worthwhile ask.

Being on the phone. A staff person or official cannot tell if a person is taking notes, reading the meeting agenda, or watching a video stream of his dog at home. Worse, sometimes they can directly see someone scrolling through Facebook. Avoid this by going old school and using pen and paper to demonstrate the meeting is important, time is valued, and the advocate is actively engaged and listening.

Not leading the meeting. Organize an agenda and have a plan of who speaks on what, and when. Additionally, resolve any conflicting issues or group disagreements before the meeting, not during it. There are few things worse for a staff person than needing to “lead” a meeting on a random topic someone else requested. It does not better help an advocate try to see where the staff person takes the issue, or what he knows, it just annoys staff, uses up valuable time an advocate could be addressing the crux of the matter, and limits the staff in actually asking relevant questions.

Saying “It’s always been done that way.” Treat these words like the plaque. Government is often viewed as slow, archaic, and filled with red tape. Leaders want to be innovative, fresh, and impactful where they can be. As a result, think about how programs can be enhanced and how the ask of a leader could improve something, not just check a standard box.

There are certainly more pet peeves out there. Feel free to email me at Wendy@1492communications.com with other examples for a future column. The good news is that if an advocate is guilty of any of these, it is never too late to become more aware and make positive changes. Staff and officials will be grateful, and it may even help improve an advocate’s meeting outcomes.

September 8, 2016

Congress does two things well, nothing and overreact … or so it has been said.  Between summer recess and the need to fund the government before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, August and September are prime examples of this half-joking statement.

Earlier this week, Congress returned to session after its seven-week summer recess.  The main tasks before it are to keep the government open (i.e. funded), and pass some type of Zika funding.  The next few September weeks will likely entail some drama and plenty of ever-changing predictions as to when and how these tasks will be completed – and at what cost in financial and political capital.  The sooner all that concludes, the sooner members can return home to campaign.

Needless to say, officials in Washington are polarized, unpopular and nervous about the November election.

Their minds are on the tasks right before them, possibly doing some posturing for a media hit, and little else.  They want to get home as quickly as possible to protect their jobs.  Now, before we are too quick to judge, how laser-focused would our minds be if our jobs were on the line – especially if we still had personal goals we wanted to achieve in those jobs!?

Since their minds are more preoccupied than usual, advocates using these weeks of session to make their case should be as message-focused, time-efficient and district-specific as ever.

Advocates should also understand that they may not receive a response before November or be told to check-in after the election, or even in the new Congress.  Some issues a member may want to get off his plate as quickly as possible, while others will not be triaged to the top of the pile.

Furthermore, as tempting as it may be to bring up the election, remember that in an official meeting, the political side of matters should not be discussed.  This cycle, with everything even more topsy-turvy than usual, that may even be for the best!

If confronted with a political discussion, it may be wise to play it safe and go with “it sure is an interesting election,” or one of my favorite topic changes, “at least we can all back the Pack, right!?”

August 25, 2016

Some staff in Washington, D.C. live for August recess (or the “August work period” as others call it).  No joke.  Members return to their states and districts for the month, votes are put off until September, and the entire city slows down – partially from the extreme heat, but mostly from a break in the action.

Staff often find themselves taking a much-needed and well-earned vacation. However, although the voting comes to a halt, the work does not.  Ergo, advocacy efforts should not halt either.

Is a group using the August recess to advance its cause?  How can a group make good use of the downtime?

Visit with staff.  Even though some people are traveling some of the time, the offices are still open. Take the time to catch-up with staff members and introduce yourself to new staff.  August is far more casual and laid back in Washington, which means staff may be able to have a more natural conversation, instead of rushing through the issues.  Plus, since it is a more casual work period, the dress attire can be a little more casual too, i.e. men can likely forgo the ties.  If a group will not physically be in D.C. in August, leave a voicemail or send an email with an update the staff member may be interested in.

Catch-up on legislation.  There is a break in the flow right now when legislation is not moving.  It is a perfect time to review important pieces of legislation to see where they stand, what is needed, and potential outcomes for later in the year.

Check-in with industry colleagues and association partners.  These folks are also enjoying the August recess and catching-up on items that might have fallen by the wayside during session.  Ask what they are working on.  Start a conversation.  If an advocacy group is not a part of a relevant trade association, now might be a good time to investigate those associations, reach out, and even see if the group might benefit from a membership or partnership.

Pay attention to the district.  The member is often back in the district for the August work period.  If she is holding an event or town hall, attend it and greet the official and her staff either before or after.  The relevant D.C. staff person may also return to the district during August for a few days – find out and offer to meet with him there or offer to take him on a company tour.

Congress returns to session after Labor Day, which means there is still some time to take advantage of the slower pace to enhance relationships and catch-up.  If this August flies by, make a note in the calendar for next June to start thinking about the August plan.  Or, create an actual August folder on your desk and computer to store interesting articles or ideas throughout the year.  This way, when time permits in August, those materials worth exploring more in-depth are easily accessible.

In the end, every month is a good month to advocate.

August 11, 2016

I will call you!

Sure he will.  Sometimes advocacy is just like dating.  Sometimes a person needs to tune into when she is being politely rejected.

It is not you, it is me.

Much like a guy who fears intimacy, this is also often true in advocacy.  It really is not personal; it is perhaps just a poor connection or bad timing.

The last Advantageous Advocacy column discussed the importance of listening and using two ears and one mouth in proportion.  There is even more credence to really listening to what is NOT being said.

How often do people like giving “bad” news?  Based on the statistics of people who no longer properly RSVP to an event, some people do not like to say no, offer rejection, or take a pass – ever – for fear of being the bad guy or disappointing someone (writer note: many hosts just want the courtesy of a reply for a proper food headcount).

Logic would then tell us that if a person’s job is dependent on our vote, he may not always provide an outright no.  He may play hard to get or string us along… give us hope when he has little or no intention of committing.  It is the reality of the beast.  If we are listening to what he is saying and paying attention to how he says it, advocates can gain the best comprehension (or in party terms, he did not RSVP, so he is probably not coming).

Perhaps there is not money in the budget.  Perhaps an opponent has taken up the cause more passionately.  Perhaps the official is just not interested in the topic.  Or, perhaps the office needs more education on the cause over time.  There are a plethora of reasons why an office may not jump on an issue, regardless of an advocate’s credentials, passion, finances, or anything else.

In many cases, staff will likely leave the door cracked.  They do this by saying they will keep it in mind, or suggesting now is not a good time, but perhaps in the future.  This is a necessary step because first, the advocate is a voter, and second, in politics, we just do not know, so we never say never (until we say never).

BUT, the congressman/governor/official said that they were really interested in this cause and said to speak to his staff about it…

This happens.  How else was he supposed to politely end the brief conversation?  They are interested to some extent.  Keep in mind, the elected official almost always plays the good cop in expressing support, interest, or enthusiasm.  Staff become the bad cop in dealing with realities, logistics, and other details.

There simply may not be a reason why the official is not taking up the cause at the moment.  However, pestering the staff, sneaking into other meetings to bring up the issue, or not giving up after a few fruitless tries – while tenacious – is not helping the cause in the long run.  Sometimes a person just needs to tune into the writing on the wall and realize, he’s just not that into you.

An advocate may need to wait until a different opening presents itself, the budget is over, a new official is elected, or some other game-changing happening that offers better timing and circumstances.

I have written it often: advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint.  While it can be frustrating when a person is excited and ready to go, sometimes patiently waiting it out is the only option to not damage staff relationships or harm the cause.  It may even turn out to be for the best in the grand scheme of life.

It does not always make sense.  In fact, politics, like dating, often does not make sense. Ultimately, it is the story of the great blue whale.  He is the biggest creature on earth, but has a throat smaller than a foot in diameter.  Why?  Because that is just the way it is.