It’s a shame how politics seems to cultivate more people who care about opining, trading rumors and being recognized as a political/social media celebrity, than it does people who are actually experienced and competent at political organization, running campaigns or even serving in public office.
We desperately need less of the former and more of the later. Less show horses and more work horses.
Less people chasing likes and clicks and a guest spot on Fox, than people helping elect candidates to office that can help change policy. Fewer people in the cheap seats yelling at the players, and more people who are willing to go down on the field, do some work and get their hands dirty.
Ignore the Show Horses
Of course social media itself can be useful. It can help communicate a message and encourage organization. But there’s a difference between using social media, and “being” social media. A difference between making a difference and just seeking attention, but that’s the currency that too many people seem to be after in politics today. Ignore them. Don’t feed the beast.
It’s the age of the social media celebrity politico. And we’re worse off for it. The political version of reality TV; people who are famous for being famous, and otherwise useless.
Find the Work Horses
To modify a familiar phrase: those who can, “do”; those who can’t, (or don’t), become social media celebrities.
All of which is to say that our challenge is to build a bigger, better reservoir of experienced political talent that can organize effectively, help candidates win and then go on to help elected officials implement policy. Not more people who want to keep the focus on themselves.
Identify those who truly care and actually want to make a difference. Help them get the political training and experience they need. Then help them find opportunities to “do”!
We’ll be better off for it.
