Why is this weirdo John Key so popular?

Now that Bill English has been officially sworn in as the new Prime Minister of New Zealand, it is probably the right time to take a look at his predecessor, John Key.

John Key will most likely not be remembered as the kind of politician who fundamentally changed his country with smart reforms and wise decisions. Neither will history books mention how he introduced controversial policies. Despite having been in office roughly as long as Barack Obama, most New Zealanders will probably remember him as “The flag guy”. Or “The ponytail puller” or “that one Prime Minister who did a poor man’s Gangnam Style dance on public broadcast”.

And despite this, he ended his political career on a high note. His approval rates are on a level that many heads of states dream of (at least in democratic countries) and his party, the New Zealand National Party, saw great election results, in large part due to the popularity of John Key.

Or maybe it is not despite this, but because of his unusual behaviour and his public perception as somewhat of an oddball that made him so popular. Perhaps the current, and very much self-imposed image of the dignified and wise politician who the people can look up to and admire is not the kind of image people in the era of social networks are interested in. Now that anyone can start a Youtube channel or a Facebook fanpage without any major technical or financial boundries and present themselves, their talent and knowledge (or lack thereof), it might be time for a new way of presenting politics.

When John Key answered the question by a radio host whether he ever stole something, he simply answered “Yes”. The lack of “politician-speak” of talking themselves out of a simple Yes-no-question must have been refreshing to many. In the same way that most popular Youtubers do not use expensive studios but rather a living room setting in order to create a connection with their viewers and make them appear as just another buddy.

It seems like this way of presenting oneself is just as successful in the political realm, at least in New Zealand. It will be interesting to see whether others will present them in a similar fashion. Let’s just hope they will refrain from bullying waitresses.