3-2-1
Jump! At 120 miles per hour, I was suddenly falling 13,000 feet in a tandem
jump from a 1964 charter jet. Upon reaching terminal velocity, exhilaration and
adrenalin took over the hesitation that had encompassed my thoughts in every
moment leading to the jump. Fearful of
even the children’s rides at Disneyland, I was not only overcoming a lifelong
trepidation of heights, but I sensed a freedom that I had never experienced.
Overlooking the freeways and mountain tops of Southern California gliding
through the sky was the most enriching adventure of my life. All other worries
were absent as I soaked in the moment, one that I would recommend to anyone who
is hesitant of extreme sports. A brief clip of my first skydive can be found here.
You
might be wondering why on a blog about political communication I am posting
thoughts about my first skydiving experience. Aside from the sheer
exhilaration, it actually provokes an interesting aspect of how politicians
connect with the electorate. Check out
the biography of any public official’s website and there will certainly be a
section about interests and hobbies. This is no accident. Throughout my
political studies, I have come to understand the importance of connecting with
voters on a personal level. Policy positions are substantive, but without
making a personal connection, politicians are far less likely to be successful
on Election Day. In evaluating campaign announcements in particular, one will
find that a substantial portion of those speeches are dedicated to highlighting
aspects of their personal lives.
Where
did you come from? What was your upbringing like? And most importantly, what is
your motivation for running for public office? Without answering these
questions, one appears to be little more than another politician in a fancy
suit. Barack Obama mastered this concept in his rapid rise to the presidency.
Even in office, he continues to connect with the public in a way that has never
been done before. By releasing a “March Madness” bracket for example, he offers
young voters a way to connect with Barack, not Mr. President. The connection
that he has successfully forged offers the White House an important tool in
swaying public opinion on budding political issues by widening the window of
opportunity to engage the electorate.
