Ipolitical Robot

The modern-day politician is no longer seen as human. They are more robotic than ever as they serve up the same old lines ripped straight from a politically dull script which they've rehearsed until word perfect. What happened to our great political orators - the Whitlams, the Keatings and even the Costellos? These days, is there anybody that makes you even remotely interested in politics?

All the blame shouldn't fall on the shoulders of our politicians. Some responsibility must fall on the media who have created the 24 hour media cycle and social media tools like Twitter are part of the problem. 

Last week while in Canberra I was lucky enough  to talk with Anthony Byrne - Federal Member of Parliament for the Victorian seat of Holt. Among the many things we discussed, we talked about how politics had changed since he entered parliament 13 years ago. He said the biggest impact on politics had been the creation of the 24 hour media cycle. 

In Byrne's view, once upon a time there were six daily media cycles (3 in the morning, 3 in the afternoon/evening). But now because of social media tools and technology, the media cycle is never ending. Politicians who were once willing to let their guards down in public are now cautious not to get caught out making a mistake.

Byrne says that even though the media now crave 'natural' politicians, the media are still hungrier than ever to slap them down if they make a mistake. This situation has created the stage-managed spectacle that is modern day politics.

What is more worrying is if we follow the path that's been set in the United States. Both the Democrats and Republicans employ staffers to follow the opposing party's candidates around 24 hours a day with a video camera. This is done in the hope that they catch that election winning 'foot-in-mouth moment' some politicians deliver.

So the next time you hear another robotic politician speaking, maybe you'll understand why they don't freelance....