Image is Everything, Apparently

In the 1980s, Andre Agassi made a name for himself telling America in camera ads that "Image is Everything". I know enough about politics to know this is true especially in the political world, but how can I explain this to my 11 year old daughter without passing along my cynicism on the matter? Will there be any substance to see and hear in New Hampshire, or is it too late? Worse, was there ever a time when candidates were real?

On July 5, 2007, msnbc.com ran a column titled "Thompson Strong on Style, Not Substance". The title of the article could also be said of the authors (attributed to the Associated Press). No substance was addressed, and one is left wondering if there will ever be any substance to reveal. Or even if we, the readers, care. Here's an excerpt of Thompson supporters discussing his "qualifications":

"They describe Thompson as having a laid-back, guy-next-door nature that puts people at ease around him. At the same time, they note he can be a commanding presence with his imposing 6-foot-5 frame, his unmistakable deep voice and his straight-talking way...."

"At ease behind the podium, he grinned broadly and spoke in a conversational manner, glancing at notes before him and gesturing often, his eyeglasses in one hand. He made a self-deprecating joke about the Senate and Hollywood, invoked Reagan and, in his deep drawl, used phrases like "hitched up our belts" and "the dogs ain't eatin' the dog food when they put that one out there."

As the Associated Press writes it, this sounds like a casting call for someone to play the role of US President. Oh great, another actor, whose entire thespian career is based on convincing people that he's someone he's not. We've had Reagan, we have Arnold, Al Franken is running for the Senate, and everyone wants to know when Tiger Woods will run for office, presumably because of his impressive bunker shots and putting reads. The celebrity culture has completely taken over, and the press is just going along for the ride. Entertainment, yes. Effective government for the people, not so much.

I will assume that issues such as health care, Iraq, trade, the environment, state's rights, etc. will be discussed in a future episode of "Freddy Goes to Washington". One can only hope. In the meantime, my daughter and I will begin writing up our questions for Sen. Thompson, on the off chance he comes up to our table asking for our vote in some obscure Manchester diner. We'll be ready for a little steak with his sizzle, and he'd better be serving.

And one more thought: If the public doesn't want politics as usual, then why do we want another guy in the Oval Office who's "folksy"? I'm looking forward to smart, how about you?

JS