As a theoretical matter, you are certainly correct. However, as a practical matter, it seems to me that you're being too idealistic.

A the saying goes, "hope for the best, plan for the worst." Failing to have fitting expectations of your politicians is a good way to get solidly used and ripped off. The voting public cannot afford to be anything other than cynical. We have far too much at stake, and have been rather heavily burned in this past decade.

Respect and trust must be earned, and it has been quite some time since a national-level politician stood out a being worthy of them.