[reasonisfaith]

What is the most important quality for a politician to have?

Think big here—something that can transcend the usual political process and bring overwhelming political victory.

Hint: it’s not among the typical list of requirements.

[OldDeckHand]

"What is the most important quality for a politician to have?"

The most important quality is that of an effective and persuasive communicator. The other almost equally important qualities are competence and perseverance.

If you can't successfully articulate your policy positions, no one will either understand or listen to your ideas. If you're perceived as intellectually inferior or incompetent, your ability to communicate is moot, as no one will care what you're saying anyways. And, if people think you might quit in the middle of the job that you're interviewing for, you probably won't get hired in the first place.

Those are the most important qualities for a successful candidate to have.