Politicians often use a combination of talking about what they are going to do (promises and future plans) and what they have done (accomplishments and past actions) in their communication with the public. The emphasis on one or the other can vary depending on the specific context and stage of their political career.
During political campaigns and election periods, politicians tend to focus more on what they are going to do if elected or re-elected. This is because they are seeking support and votes from the public, and outlining their future plans and policy proposals is a way to convince voters that they have a vision for the future and are committed to making positive changes.
However, once politicians are in office, they often shift their communication to highlight their achievements and the progress they have made in fulfilling their campaign promises. They use these accomplishments to showcase their effectiveness as leaders and to build credibility for future campaigns or re-election bids.
That being said, politicians are often criticized for making promises during campaigns that they don't fulfill once in office, leading to a perception that they primarily talk about what they are going to do without delivering on those promises. This can create skepticism and mistrust among the public, which is why some politicians may continue to focus on future plans even while in office to keep attention away from unfulfilled promises.
Ultimately, the balance between talking about future plans and highlighting past accomplishments can vary among politicians and depend on the political climate, public sentiment, and individual communication strategies. As voters, it is essential to critically evaluate both aspects of a politician's communication to assess their effectiveness and commitment to serving the public interest.