Successful Politicians often Resemble Ordinary Citizens

In a democracy, the successful politician resembles the ordinary citizen. Describe a specific situation in which the successful politician in a democracy does not resemble the ordinary citizen. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the successful politician resembles the ordinary citizen. In the run up to the presidential primaries of early 2012, candidates are attempting to garner the votes of ordinary Americans--i.e., those who make up the majority of the electorate. Politicians must play a game where they show that they are competent and have the skills to lead the nation but at the same time, are in touch with the lives of middle class people. The latter often requires the politician to adopt an image of a regular Joe Schmoe. This politician, in reality, is usually nothing close to Joe Schmoe in his privileged upbringing and pedigreed education and experiences. However, claiming victory in the polls often involves convincing the electorate that he is "just like them" and will, therefore, represent their interests in office. In an era of a widening income gap, the middle class are increasingly feeling isolated and disillusioned about their future prospects. Movements such as Occupy Wall Street have reflected frustrations of how regular Americans feel government is catering to the needs of the rich at the expense of the poor. Furthermore, they feel that their representatives do not understand their daily struggles and instead prioritize corporate interests and cater to the lobbying sector. Candidates for political office are cognizant of the electorate wanting representatives outside of Washington and therefore, attempt to market themselves as "regular people." We have "soccer moms" like Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachman convincing people that they are in touch with normal American lives. George W. Bush, although coming from an elite background, successfully created an image of himself as a Southern cowboy. Almost all candidates try to distance themselves from the insiders of Washington and attempt to show that they are more in line with Main Street in their belief system and voting record. Most political candidates are nothing like the ordinary citizens they try to resemble. While many may come from normal backgrounds and middle-class families, they have often attained an education and life experiences that no longer qualifies them as "normal Americans." To get into the spotlight in the first place, these candidates have set themselves apart in their ability to stand out among a sea of people. They have had to establish their credentials and prove some sort of competence before entering a race. The suave politician, however, can still relate to normal people while having a solid background of experience and education. Indeed, the successful politician will have extraordinary ("un-regular") experiences but at the same time, has an appeal such that normal people could share a beer with him. Being a politician entails a complicated juggle of responsibilities. Not only must he demonstrate competence and sound judgment; he must also cater to the electorate and show that they are in touch with their needs. Oftentimes, feigning an image of a regular Joe Schmoe is a requisite to maintain a sort of trust and confidence with the people.