Sincerity and competence is a strong combination. In politics, it is everything.

Noonan’s line argues that political success rests less on ideology or charisma than on a rare pairing: genuine intent (“sincerity”) and the ability to execute (“competence”). Either trait alone is insufficient—sincerity without skill becomes ineffectual, while competence without sincerity reads as technocratic, manipulative, or self-serving. By calling the combination “everything,” she frames public trust as the central political currency: voters may forgive mistakes if they believe a leader is trying honestly and knows what they’re doing. The quote also implies a critique of modern politics, where performance, messaging, and partisan loyalty can eclipse demonstrated capability and authentic conviction.