This is an opinion column.

The most dangerous political sentiment in America today is that the future of our republic depends solely on the prospects of our preferred party. The fevered position that Republicans are a threat to democracy is mirrored by concerns over stolen elections and woke indoctrination. It’s a political game that benefits exactly one group…politicians.

I see the malady every time I pen a political column.

When I question Democratic governance, I’m immediately challenged with claims that I fail to fully understand the threats posed by Republicans. When I rebuke Republicans, I’m lambasted for criticizing my own political team. If I truly understood the diabolical liberal mind, I wouldn’t spend much time wondering whether Republicans are truthful or not.

More Columns from Cameron Smith:

The other side is so obviously terrible that our own partisan failings and policy fumbles pale in comparison.

We have created the perfect environment for the worst politicians imaginable on both sides of the aisle. Accountability has perished in a dumbed-down winner-take-all political arena.

It’s easy to look the other way when it comes to the politicians we prefer. I’ll nod in agreement with Republicans who crow about fiscal responsibility even as they vote for one deficit spending measure after another. Listening to their words is easy. Taking the time to check their voting records takes a little more work. Most of the people we elect know voters don’t care enough to do even that.

That’s why our “leaders” would rather focus exclusively on the failings of the other party than articulate what they would do differently.

Just think about how much air time Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez receive in red states where absolutely nobody has an opportunity to vote for or against any of them.

They’re convenient distractions.

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, former President Donald Trump, and Rep. Jim Jordan serve the same purpose for countless Democrats.

The phantoms in our national political opera keep us from expecting too much from the people who actually represent us. We’re somehow satisfied if they’re simply on our team.

That’s not good enough.

Even if we can’t bring ourselves to give the other party a shot in the general election, we should at least be asking whether the incumbent we’re voting for has done a good job. If we can’t explain why we’re voting for them, we should stop.

We’re always going to trade representatives in swing states. In Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, general elections continue to matter. In so many other states, general elections are foregone conclusions. It’s in those races that partisans should send their best, most principled folks who are capable of building governing alliances and majorities. Placeholders who serve no purpose other than occupying a seat with a reliable partisan vote aren’t worthy of re-election.

This shouldn’t be a partisan issue.

Congress has far too many politicians whose main claim to success is simply tough talk about the opposing party.

When you step into the polling booth, don’t just click on the party and move on. Remember those names on the ballot. Think about what it would mean for them to successfully represent you and your family. When you get home, write down a few expectations for the people who earn your vote and win. If your standard for their job performance isn’t high, the quality of your representation won’t be either.

We don’t have to play nice in politics, but we shouldn’t allow the political class to be the beneficiaries of our disagreement.

Smith is a recovering political attorney with four boys, two dogs, and an extremely patient wife. He engages media, business, and policy through the Triptych Foundation and Triptych Media. Please direct outrage or agreement to [email protected] or @DCameronSmith on Twitter.