“Anger is the last refuge of the pathetic; a man’s mettle is tested by how bitter a brew he can drink.” Godot, from Ace Attorney
The news on Anthony Weiner read like a bad joke this week…. “How many women does a mayoral candidate in NYC need to demonstrate his lewdness with to make Democrat supporters abandon him?” Apparently thirteen is the number. On another front, if the women are prostitutes, and the offender is running for city comptroller, not that many are required. And just to demonstrate that the west is every bit as depraved as the east, San Diego mayor Bob Filner will be running the city from his remote office in a rehab clinic for a couple of weeks where he’ll be receiving pervert therapy because of his propensity for groping the middle aged women in his office. Oh, he hugs men too, he says… if that makes you feel any better.
If you were wondering in the aftermath of the Bill Clinton redefining of political decorum just what the limits were of what Americans, and Democrats in particular, would accept…. well, we may be beginning to see. Vice is not always detrimental to a candidate as long as it’s not susceptible to mockery and ridicule. Adultery, drug use, smoking, lying, even accepting bribes, are not as damaging as an old skinny guy taking pictures of his private parts and sending them to young girls anxious to share in the glow of his political prowess, if not his sexual one. It’s a ridiculous image, and ridiculousness can’t be erased with forgiveness as can more “respectable” vices. One can only hope it can be forgotten if it is not mentioned or called to mind; that doesn’t seem to be happening for Mr. Weiner.
As a group, Conservatives tend to be a somewhat serious bunch. They become flabbergasted when the opposition seems to get a pass on what are deemed to be substantial character flaws or political faux pas. What they often don’t realize is that “flabbergast” is a less than effective strategy for influencing others. Anger can occasionally grab attention, but a steady diet of it repels people, and can even inspire sympathy for the target of the anger. Humor on the other hand, especially if not vindictive, biting, or bullying, can change the way people see things. It is hard for people to respect or support a position or candidate they have just laughed at. Laughter conveys confidence; anger or frustration can signal despair. Confidence goes a long way toward victory, it is compelling; despair reeks of defeat.
IMHO: Even unattractive men can get dates if they have confidence and a good sense of humor. Likewise in the political realm, the ability to use humor in the political debate lures the undecided. A candidate can be painted as dishonest, dangerous, or radical, but no greater damage can be inflicted upon an opponent than to make them look ridiculous. Outrage can make you lose your sense of humor, but the undecided are more apt to laugh at your jokes than share in your outrage; the outrage will follow as the laughter subsides. Humor, like a hidden dagger, is a lethal weapon; it is double-edged though, and if mishandled the wound will be inflicted on the bearer rather than its target. Do you believe you are on the right side of the political debate? Do you believe that right ultimately triumphs over wrong? Do you believe that truth is in the end more powerful than lies? Then laugh! Hold your ridiculous enemies in derision! Why so serious?
