Politics Unusual: Could Rank Amateur Get Elected?
On October 13th, Universal Studios' Man of the Year is released into theatres. The film portrays a Conan O'Brien-type comedian, played by Robin Williams, who decides to run for president. The content of the film sparks an interesting debate concerning American politics, and Juniata's Dennis Plane gives us some answers. Plane is an American Politics professor at Juniata who specializes in public opinion and has recently been researching political trust.
Question
Should Americans be concerned about inexperienced politicians holding an office?
Answer
I don't think so. It is good to have non-politicians in office. This country was designed to have citizens make policy decisions.
Q
What motivates people like this to run for an office?
A
Check out the book Actors, Athletes and Astronauts by David Canon. It talks about how politics attract people like this because of things like built in name recognition and their ability to relate to the voters.
Q
What are the advantages to having a 'non-politician' in office?
A
Well, it makes the real politicians in office more responsive to voters. They have to perk up and pay attention... "You can't rest on your laurels."
Q
What motivates Americans to have faith in candidates like Tom Dobbs, the main character of Man of the Year?
A
Americans are just tired of typical politicians. They tend to favor those who, as the saying goes, "run against congress", and those who do it can often be very successful. Take a look at Jesse Ventura. He was an entertainer who threw his hat in the ring, ran for governor, and got elected. Guys like this attract a whole different group of young, independent voters.
Q
Are there any non-politicians running for office this fall?
A
In Texas, there is a guy named Kinky Friedman running for governor. He is a country musician who perhaps started running as a joke, but now is running the race as serious as an entertainer can. He has been very successful. There is also Lynn Swann in Pennsylvania. If he hadn't been a Pittsburgh Steeler, he wouldn't have a prayer.
- Adam J. Stanley '08, Student Reporter