After experiencing an election year in Australia this past summer, my thoughts on the Presidential race in America were reaffirmed. The Presidential “race” in America is actually more of a circus.
I mean, is is really necessary for McCain to hold mid-flight press conferences on his way to the next pep rally where he will campaign to a crowd that is already sold on the McCain ticket?
Because I am so cynical about politics, I usually keep my thoughts to myself. An example: I always managed to infuriate my friends when I tell them I am voting for Ralph Nader.
But what inspired this political post was Michal Kempner’s “Straight Talk” blog. Kempner thinks that politicians are important because “people need something to believe in, they need an emotional connection…if Obama wins, his victory will be the product of a strong understanding of how to connect with people on an emotional level, how to move them to believe and how to stir unwavering support and passion…the type that comes from the gut as much as the head.”
What Kempner says about an “emotional connection” is the absolute truth. Politicians in the past have brought people together with a common dream. More recently, however, the emotional connection that politicians supply is one of fear. Politicians no longer offer dreams. They only manage the fears of Americans.
There is an fascinating video from the a BBC documentary entitled “The Power of Nightmares” that discusses why the neoconservatives have switched to a message of fear instead of hopes and dreams.
Some may think that this thought process is a bit over the top. But look back to just a week or so ago when Clinton ran that infamous “3 a.m.” advertisement.
Fear is what gave the power back to the politicians, after it escaped them during the 1960s social movement. I do not necessarily think that Obama will win, but he is the first president in the better part of three decades to steer away from scare tactics. Instead of fear Obama is giving the people of America hopes and dreams, which Kemper is saying will shape this election.
