Keller @ Large: Who Do You Trust?

BOSTON (CBS) - Who do you trust?

It's a pretty important question, wouldn't you say? Without trust, how can you have confidence in someone, or even take them seriously?

There are plenty of online surveys about trust.

A few years back Readers Digest asked about public figures we trusted, and showbiz types like Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep dominated the list, with the likes of Bill Gates and even "Jeopardy" host Alex Trebek making the top ten.

You had to go all the way down to number 19 before a remotely political figure showed up, First Lady Michelle Obama.

The Gallup poll asks the same question about institutions every year, and only the military, small business and the police are trusted by more than 50 percent.

Congress, of course, is rock bottom.

And when it comes to the presidential race, lo and behold, the two least-trusted candidates in multiple polls are the front-runners, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

What does that say about the low expectations people have for their political leaders?

Speaking of expectations, when it comes to trust, let's manage them. When it comes to strangers – especially people you may think you know from seeing them on TV or in the movies – it's best to be skeptical. Trust, but verify, as Ronald Reagan used to say about the Soviets.

I prefer to stick with loved ones, longtime friends, and of course, Buddy the Lab. Those who've proved themselves trustworthy.

Because life teachers you that anyone else is a dice roll.

Listen to Jon's commentary: