Politicians Telling the Truth

Politicians Telling the Truth:
      Last night I was watching Jay Leno and he said something that I observe frequently in the press and public. He was interviewing Rick Santorum who said his policy on Same Sex Marriage was the same as Romney and Obama. If you look up their stated policy, all three, as of that time, supported the current federal policy supporting male-female marriage. The issue I have is Leno's comment, "Yes, but they are just saying it, you really believe it." I know I'm getting a little long in the tooth, but I thought what you say is what you believe.
      I like Leno and, while he's more liberal than I prefer, I can watch him and have a good time. His comment just brought home the often quoted position that a candidate will change their position after they get the nomination or get elected. We watched Obama in the run up to the 2008 election during the primaries run closer to the left. Then during the election, move closer to the center than he had in the primaries. Once elected, he shifted back toward the left by pushing health care through to the detriment of the economy and jobs.  
      Recently we have heard the press state that Romney, now that he has the nomination wrapped up, will pivot to the center. I can understand evolving positions; but, I don't agree with pandering to what is perceived to be the more popular position. As time passes, it is appropriate for everyone to re-evaluate their positions.
      Currently it seems that the Obama administration seems to be evolving their position on Same Sex Marriage. I find it convenient that a recent CBS poll shows gaining support for Same Sex Marriage. While I understand the shifting positions on this issue, this is typical of what we see from our elected officials. A thoughtful, long discussed, and evolving position over several years is what most of us do. We do not look for the latest poll, focus group, or targeted voters to determine new positions on issues.
      Now we need to watch and see if Romney "shifts to the center" or Obama backs off on taking money from senior citizen funding to pay for his other pet projects. Not to jump on Obama any more but his taking credit this week for the death of Osama while he is dramatically defunding the military is just wrong. Sorry, just had to get that off my chest.
      The bottom line is: I want a candidate that will say what they believe. I may not agree with everything they say but at least I know what they'll do. Also, then I vote on the character of the individual and that's what I have to trust when the pressure gets high and they have to do the right thing, not the popular one.