In the cutthroat world of electoral politicians, lawmakers need to set themselves apart from their colleagues through a number of methods. Does that mean effective policymaking, unconditionally advocating for the most vulnerable constituents or standing up to entrenched party establishments? Probably not; it usually means gimmicks.
This week, the Opinion section answers the question: What are the best — or worst — gimmicks that politicians use to cement their brand?
Nell Srinath, Opinion Editor: Amy Klobuchar joking, to absolute audience silence, “Donald Trump, the science is on my side… and besides, I’d like to see how your hair would fare in a blizzard” at every. campaign. trail. stop.
Honorable mention to Katie Porter’s whiteboard. I would be a menace with that thing in her position.
Dan Stark, Associate Opinion Editor: John Fetterman wearing shorts in every context, including on the Senate floor, was a hilarious one in my book. The meltdown from the right was legendary.
Tomas Hinckley, Weekly Columnist: Other than my previously written disdain for the politician Jeff Jackson and his gimmick of being the TikTok man while also voting to ban TikTok (and then doubling down on it), I really like Mitch McConnell’s little political gimmick of being a literal deer in headlights