How important is a political candidate’s moral character compared to the policies they support?

Moral character matters more (48%) – "Moral character matters and if a politician is ethical and true to their work, they will represent their constituents no matter the politics. Once elected, you represent both those that voted for you and those that didn’t. That used to be an obvious norm practiced by all legislators, that is no longer the case, unfortunately."

• "I will never agree with every policy a political supports. If they have good moral character, they will seek to support policies they believe will do good and not just what they are told to support. I want politicians who don't take bribes or twist everything to their benefit."

"If you have a solid moral compass, that will guide choices and decisions in life, be it religion, family, business, politics, or anything else. Intentionally choosing wrong over right shows a lack of self respect and a weak character."

• "1) Office holders are in the public eye and are role models. 2) Citizens cannot count on receiving good representation when those who are elected make immoral life choices. 3) Democrats cannot point out foibles of Republicans while supporting candidates whose prior and current actions are as bad if not worse."

"Moral character is probably the most desirable trait in a person. Morals are not the offspring of political policy, rather it is the other way around. Political policies are born and defined by our moral standings. For example, laws and policies are created by what we feel to be the "right thing to do". The first concept, morals, begets the second concept, policy. The first step always precedes the second step."

Political policies matter more (10%) – "We should vote for someone bested on what s/he promising work on for the betterment of the community. We should be more focused on the present not the past as long as the past experience and characters wouldn’t impend the current performance."

Roughly the same (35%) – "When I vote for someone I take into consideration their policies and what I have heard about them personally. I don't want to vote for someone who is not a good role model to those they are chosen to represent."

• "I don't think it's so easy to separate the two, because if someone's moral integrity is called into question, then I am also going to question their sincerity in supporting the policies they say they do. If forced to choose during an election, I'll hold my nose and vote for policy because that is what is going to be more widely impactful, however."

"I kind of hate this question because morality and policies *should* be tightly intertwined. Our decision making process for policies should be dependent on morality, and though we will still always have disagreements, maybe at least we'd have a bit more respect for each other. Instead it seems all the people in politics are just looking for power. So when you have only bad choices to choose from, inevitably moral standing slides a little in importance. :("

Unsure/other (7%) – "After what's in the white house, no one cares. But we need to care."