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August 14, 2008
A Decent Politician
In the past few months, it has become even more evident that public confidence in Western governments has waned to record lows, with approval ratings for leaders such as Bush, Merkel, Brown and Sarkozy hovering in the low 20s. Doug Schoen, a leading political consultant (disclosure: periodically consultants with Edelman), writes in his new book Declaring Independence LINK that “voters are becoming increasingly skeptical about government’s ability to effect positive change.” This echoes findings in the Edelman Trust Barometer, which shows trust in government plunging in the past four years in many of the 18 countries surveyed. Recent scandals in the US, including former Senator John Edwards’ affair and former Governor Eliot Spitzer’s out of state trysts with a call girl only add to the cynicism of the average voter, as those with extreme rectitude are shown to have flawed character.
That is why it has been so refreshing to meet New York Governor David Paterson, who assumed the office after Spitzer’s resignation. He is a self-effacing man, who has overcome a profound physical handicap (nearly blind in one eye, blind in the other) through force of will. He carries out his duties by relying on his aides to read documents to him, by engaging in one-on-one discussions and by building strong personal relationships. He spoke passionately about the need for direct and candid communication to constituents, telling them the hard truths about matters of public interest. He cited the rebuilding of Ground Zero as an example of this need for candor. “There is no way this project will be completed by 2011, in time for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. This is an incredibly complex construction project which must be done right. And it will need more money from government, both Federal and State, to finish the job. Decisions cannot be made that are only political in nature; can you believe that I have been advised that I am depressing the morale of construction workers on the site by saying that it will likely be 2014 before all of the construction is completed?” The Governor has also taken on the state legislature on state budget challenges and spending issues, noting the declining tax revenues because of the contraction in financial services.
This candid style is the only way forward for the business and PR community. Our approach is premised on constantly learning by listening, engaging audiences directly, building credibility through third parties such as media and bloggers, supporting it with expert commentary, and then go out to win the votes.
Posted by Edelman at August 14, 2008 12:29 PM
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