The traditional political debate model might be ready for a re-think. In today’s climate, political debates are as much about politicians’ ability to generate viral, internet-ready moments as they are about the dry details of policy. A clever, well-timed remark or retort that can be easily shared across social media can be extremely advantageous, often more so than meticulous policy discussion.
The unfortunate side effect of this digital trends is that we often see that the moments that go viral are the ones that involve confrontation, insult, or vindictiveness. This perpetual need for clickable, shareable content fuel adds fuel to the already inflammatory nature of politics and risks increasing the divide, rather than driving constructive and productive conversations.
One solution posited is to bring in professional comedians into the political fold. The virability of a good joke is undeniable – if a politician could be primed with a few short, witty, even slightly self-deprecating one-liners for a debate, they could potentially create viral moments that paint them as clever, humorous and personable rather than contentious or quarrelsome. A good example of how powerful this approach can be is seen in the 1984 Ronald Reagan’s debate with Walter Mondale, where Reagan quipped that he wouldn’t hold Mondale’s youth and inexperience against him.
While politicians may not be able to control physical aspects such as their height or appearance, there is a great deal they can do to shape public perception of their personality and charisma. A few well-placed jokes could do wonders for making the politician appear more relatable and likable – a trait that political scientists agree matters to voters. Engaging a comedian on the staff could be a defining step towards this.
As the discourse on social media and public platforms continues to evolve, politicians need to adapt their strategies accordingly. While the outreach and immediate impact of digital platforms can provide significant leverage, it’s essential to ensure these resources are used to nourish a healthier, more balanced political environment.
Author of this insight, Mark Herrmann, is a seasoned legal expert with 17 years as a partner at a leading international law firm, and now serving as the deputy general counsel at a large international company. He is also the author of The Curmudgeon’s Guide to Practicing Law as well as Drug and Device Product Liability Litigation Strategy. He can be contacted via email at inhouse@abovethelaw.com.
Read more on comedians providing viral moments for politicians.