Political Consulting and The Resistance
Already, the rise of Trumpism is having an adverse effect on the course of our nation. In four weeks post-inauguration, we have witnessed: a travel ban that targets residents of specific countries; a never-before-seen rift between the US and key global allies; the awakening of dormant white nationalist sentiment; the elimination of transgender rights; the approval of massive deportation raids; and, by the Trump administration itself, outright disdain for anything that dares stand in its way. Dialogue and debate are history.
Yet, the rise of Trumpism also has prompted a collective consciousness about individual and social rights and justice. Young and old, black and brown, poor and middle class are uniting around the desire to hold the Trump administration accountable to our country’s ideals.
Trumpism is forcing us to reconsider our common purpose and destiny as a country. It should also force those of us in the political consulting industry to re-think our vocation of helping to elect representatives who serve our nation.
For the last twelve years, I have dabbled in political consulting in New York, alongside my work as a pastor and adjunct professor. I have witnessed first-hand the immense positive potential of political consulting in our city, state, and nation. I have also witnessed the temptations of the trappings of power.
We, as consultants, often look for the next big pay day, the next big client so that we can hang out our shingle for another day.
We know how to keep our clients “on message.” We know how to boil down complex electoral and policy matters to simple talking points. We prod our clients for “sound bites” that get quick media attention. Simplification of complex matters is not necessarily a vice, but it does lure us away from the sustained and thoughtful processes that policy matters deserve.
As we face one of the biggest threats to our democratic way of life, it is high time that political consultants seek more than a quick buck and a snappy sound bite. In addition to the preparation and submission of campaign plans or the simplistic policy briefing books, we consultants should familiarize our clients with the thoughtful writings of Rousseau, Mills, Hamilton, Madison, and Reinhold Niebuhr. Through introspection that takes seriously the vastness of our democratic principles, we do well to remember that achieving social justice and everyone’s quality of life is our calling and our greatness. Our task as political consultants — and indeed as citizens — is to help elect and advise individuals with the passion and desire to improve our lives collectively. The agenda should never be about seeking power for the sake of power, but rather to inspire and prod those in power to use such power for the common good.
As for me, in 2017 I will be helping get elected folks who will invest their power in the common good. And I will also be joining the resistance and marching alongside those that have the same desire — to fight for the justice that we all deserve.
