very wise words.  knowing how recordings can be "diced and spliced" to become 180 degrees misleading. you always have to look at the bigger picture and learn what you can from the pieces too.  that's why sound bites or a single news source is almost worse than knowing nothing.
   "Is is right for us to expect politicians to be 'better' than the rest of us?" ...  imho - it depends on what they've said. if they are selling themselves as a saint, they had better be righteous. if selling themselves as the best  - they better be really good.  that's just one reason trump does not ring true to me.  he's the best president? he can't stop slapping his own back. He draws the largest crowds....  Really?  many sources if photos say differently.  His actions say differently.  His results say differently. .. the Polls say differently...