Conservapedia:Manual of Style/Politicians

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This page exists so pages for prominent political figures can have some manner of consistency in the format of their pages for ease of reference.

What to include in politician's pages

The following categories are valid categories for inclusion and suggestions for what should go in them. This is meant to keep the framework somewhat chronological

Subject's Name (in bold) followed by a brief synopsis of notable positions held or sought. The name should be their actual given name with a well known nickname in the middle (e.g. Rudolph William "Rudy" Giuliani).

Early Life and Education

  • When and where the subject was born and general locations where they have lived
  • High school and higher education, degrees and honors earned
  • Any family members that are prominent in the public world can be mentioned in here
  • Jobs, internships, clerkships held through college that could influence political career
  • NOTE: If a subject returns for higher education later in life, that should not be entered here. Include it in the appropriate military or private sector section.

Military service

If the subject served in the military, place information in here

  • Time served
  • Rank held
  • Notable incidents
  • Commendations received

Private Sector

If the subject had a notable private career, list it in here... this heading title should be adjusted to reflect the career (Business, Legal Career, Medical Career, Literary Career, etc.)

  • Notable positions held
  • Notable private sector non-gossip information or scandal (e.g. John Edwards made millions during his time as a trial attorney.)

Political Career

Most notable politicians have a past in politics and it should be listed here. These sections can be broken down into Congressional Career, Gubernatorial Career, Presidential Career, etc. if their political career is extensive. Further, presidential careers may need to be split into terms.

  • If they had a prominent position in another campaign
  • Campaigns they have waged and lost
  • Political offices held
    • committee positions and chairs held
    • Appointed positions held
  • Notable support of or opposition to legislation
  • Any non-gossip scandals the person is known to have been involved with
  • Ethical violations can be included here as well

Political views

  • Cite sources that describe the political views of candidates
  • Try to refrain from giving your opinion of those views

Public Criticism

  • Published and verbal criticism of the subject from notable public figures can be included here

Post Political Career

  • If applicable of course
  • What has the subject done following their career in politics

What not to include in politician's pages

  • Speculation on what may or may not happen to them in the future
  • Gossip
  • Your opinion of the politician
  • Unsourced, possibly contentious facts. Remember, politicians are usually lawyers... no one wants to get sued here.

Miscellanea

Books

Politicians often write (or have ghost written for them) books. My suggestion is that if they have written less than three, include the publication of that book in the appropriate section of their life. If they have written three or more, include a Works Published section at the end before external sources.

Trivia

If the politician has notable trivia (e.g. Bill Clinton is only the second president to be impeached) remember to cite a source and keep the section small.

Sources

  • If a book or a poll is being used to describe perception, attribute that description to the author or the poll. X said Y about Z (Thanks Ed!)
  • Generally speaking, news articles are sufficient for things a candidate has said and votes they have made.
  • When votes and policies are being discussed, include a link to the legislation from the appropriate branch of government. For example, [www.senate.gov The United States Senate].
  • Columns, editorials, and op-ed pieces are not reliable sources. These are, by nature, opinion pieces and journalistic rigor is significantly reduced. Generally speaking, if the author's picture appears next to it, avoid it.
  • Website and publications issued by the subject of the article should be avoided.