These are very good points. (Except maybe salt, what's wrong with salt?). But breathing in particular, I'd say breathing in for 5 seconds and 5 seconds out, and filling your lungs is maybe the most relaxing thing in the world. One could devote life just for appreciating that.
Here's what I propose, to lessen the effect of populism: The elections are held in a tournament format. People are divided into randomised brackets. People then in that bracket decide who amongst them is most fit to be a leader.
This is then repeated recursively until enough politicians are selected.