There is this sparkling energy from books that alters my mush, moods and madness. Yes, you read it right. Since that I’m reading a novel of politics, I decided to write something about politics; as if I’m knowledgeable about it. I’m not a political science major, no office in public service; just a few experiences with politicians during the concluded national elections. I worked as political coordinator for a candidate under the Nacionalista Party. I wouldn’t mention her name but she won. And she deserved it. Ok, I’m not really a Nacionalista boy. I think it was just a matter of returning a favor. Working with lawyers everyday, I saw how crucial legal documents were. Even a piece of paper can send you to jail or perhaps ruin your life convincing yourself you shouldn’t have done it in the first place. Everything must be properly planned. There are certain points I learned from the previous campaigns we had for aspiring politicians. Here we go.
-Always smile. Our candidate was always smiling in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening. I wondered if her lips were scotch-taped already or….. never mind. But don’t smile exaggeratedly. People may think your “pashowbiz” or “loka-loka”. People feel that you’re friendly, approachable and polite if you always smile.
-Don’t talk much about your educational and career achievements. Sometimes, I admit, it feels good to boast something you had but people don’t care much about it. They want reforms, jobs, improvement etc. Focus on these topics.
-Be friendly to the media people. Ehem. They can end your stay in the race in a snap. Dare? Have your media relations seminar for example. Oooops!
-Make your campaign jingle “singable”. Yes, like everybody can make it his/her national anthem. Well, it helps build the image of the candidate (from PR principles). But don’t overexpose it. It becomes irritating.
-Make sure you have your money. There is this saying that if you want to run for a public office and you don’t have bucks in your pocket, start to back off. You don’t have a bright future in politics. Well, you can seek for sponsors and donations. GOOD LUCK!
-Your speech should include what ought to be done. Lessen your statistics, graphs etc. The hell people care. Focus on their problems and how you’ll resolve it and deliver it with conviction. If you’re not sure what to be done, make sure that something ought to be, quickly.
-Be always open for photo sessions and handshakes. Don’t show you’re tired and annoyed. Don’t forget to retouch every hour or else you’ll look like a walking rotten squash monster. Campaigning is like swimming in an Olympic pool.
-Know your opponent. Hmmmm. This is the most exciting cause you get to compare your platforms with each other and even your capabilities. Competition challenges a person so don’t consider it as a threat. Most politicians look for their opponent’s blind side and attack them directly or invisibly. 🙂
-Make sure you don’t have any scandal in the past or if there is… make sure you bury it deep. In politics, you should be the most generous, loving and wholesome person ever existed.
-Learn to work with others. Of course you have your campaign organizers, advisers or other members of the party you belong to work with. Don’t just rely on your instincts or decisions. You also need pieces of advice from people who handle the game better.
Whoooo! Am I really interested to enter political public relations or maybe even become a candidate? Well, the answer is NO! I’m just happy elucidating and elucidating and elucidating on these issues with a little bit of research.
Read ONE HELL OF CANDIDATE by William Gavin. It’s definitely one heck of a fun read.
Shelf Esteem 