Celebrity Politics

When John Edwards announced he was withdrawing from his presidential bid, a spokesperson indicated that Edwards fell prey to the superior position of "celebrity" candidates. To be sure, Edwards' boyish good looks couldn't keep up with Obama's skin color and charisma or Hillary's polarizing personality and electrifying husband.

We speak of politicians using first names when they are unique enough ("Hilary" and "Mitt), or simply their last when needed ("McCain" or "Edwards"). We asume a casual familiarity nearly identical to that which we assume with celebrities like Britney or Jessica. But these aren't our friends, or simple entertainers. At least, they're not supposed to be. Somehow, I don't think voters used to speak about Abraham or George (of course, Teddy was an incredible persona and they did like Ike - but they were exceptions).

So what's changed? Almost assuredly, it's the information age and our ready ability to see the candidates all the time. To hear the sound bites in near real time. It's that near instant transfer of information, and our mindless lapping at the bowl of group think, that pushes our candidates to change their positions to match our perceived moods. And we cry foul when they flip-flop. But they flip when we flop. It's now no more than a well-choreographed dance.

As I talk about politics with friends, colleagues and mere acquaintances I am struck by the role the national races place in that conversation. Like "Lost" or "24", these elections result in sound bite conversations, speculative pronouncement and personal invective. The only real difference is that no one network has a contract for the show, and the writer strike doesn't leave us pining for fresh material.

But these national races are about what is nearly our largest community, and the one that in many ways impacts us least. It is regional and local politics that shape our lives and our community. Do you have kids? Do you know who's running for school board? Who's going to be your next mayor? What are their plans for economic development? Who's going to win your next aldermanic election? What do they think about safety in your neighborhood or the development plans for that eyesore on the corner?

We get one vote in an ocean of votes for the national elections. Don't get me wrong, we have not only a civic duty but also a social duty to cast that vote. It is profoundly important. But the vote you casually don't cast for school board or alderman or judge may be more important.

Just because you don't see the ads on TV and don't feel comfortable enough to call a candidate by their first name doesn't mean you should drop out of the process. To the contrary, that lack of celebrity is evidence of the striking realness, the humanity, of the candidate. They are more like you than unlike you, and the decisions they make will shape your life, your family's life and life in your community. Get engaged. Learn the candidates and vote.