“A man is sorry to be honest for nothing.” Ovid–Roman poet, 43 BC-17 AD
In the political world, the re-election campaign begins the day after the candidate is elected.
While the campaign rallies and public debates may be over, the new office holder and those who work for him still have to work on promoting him to the public. They have to start setting the framework for re-election.
Getting in the way of the promotion are the
lions. And when given the opportunity, the lions are going to pounce.
Recently, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland opened himself up for attack after making a controversial remark regarding refugees from Iraq.
Strickland told an Associated Press reporter that he was not inclined to accept Iraqi refugees in Ohio. He said he felt that doing so would help “bail out” the president.
What crippled him however wasn’t the remark itself. It was the “change of heart.”
Now in my opinion, what he said was not deplorable. It was not racist. It was honest. Strickland felt a certain way, and he told us.
While I’m still unsure of how I feel about his position, I respected Strickland for having the stugots to say it. It opened up a topic worthy of discussion.
Then the lions pounced.
Among other public criticism, State Senator Kevin Coughlin issued a news release, calling for Strickland to apologize and to change his views. Meanwhile the Cincinnati Enquirer called Strickland’s remarks “cold-hearted.”
Now the critics certainly have the right to speak their minds. They’re expected to do so, it’s their responsibility. In fact, they present some good points for debate.
A few days following his remarks however, Strickland ended the debate when he issued a statement saying he would welcome Iraqi refugees. He said he was just frustrated with President Bush and that was why he originally said he’d refuse refugees from Iraq. He didn’t defend his statements or his opinions, even though there were some who were publicly on his side.
Basically, Strickland broke.
From a public relations standpoint, political and business leaders need to be promoted more as products rather than people. Something that’s going to last and work for you.
If you’re the man (or woman) in charge of promoting a leader and his image, advise him stand by what he says and what he believes. Help him stand up to criticism and defend his position. More importantly, NEVER allow him to be sorry for being honest.
Consumers don’t want wrenches that break the first time they try to turn a tough nut. Why would they want leaders that do?
