The job description for politicians is simple: get elected. In systems of democracy such as the one that exists in the United States, individuals are pitted against each other in the public eye, all with the common goal of gaining likeability, supporters, and, most importantly, votes. While it is alluring to believe that these politicians speak genuinely on their stances and philanthropically on behalf of the people they hope to serve, modern politics is undeniably laden with lies and manufactured images. The stark reality of this political arena, however, is that many politicians can get away with this deceit because Americans are susceptible to believe them.
Particularly in primary elections, candidates will unscrupulously sculpt themselves to fit their party’s cookie cutter mold. Though often moderate in their personal views, candidates will make a sprint to extremity in the nomination process to appear more desirable to their party constituents. In the debate, Chris Christie flatly attested that Common Core standards had been entirely eliminated in New Jersey. While New Jerseyans watching the debate were quick to see Christie’s blatant lie, few others would know that Common Core is alive and well in New Jersey, despite Christie’s testimony, and even fewer would read post-debate fact checks. Consider as well Hillary’s newfound leftist extremism, back in primary season when self-proclaimed socialist candidate Bernie Sanders pushed her out of her centrist politics, and into proposing a $12 minimum wage, a slash in tuition costs of college, and a drastic expansion of Medicaid. Most presidential candidates are not radicals, but Americans seemed undisturbed (or unaware) of the uber partisan lies candidates spoon feed them during primary season.
In this political circus, brand-name candidates are not proponents for honesty, but rather some of the worst offenders in sprewing self-promoting fibs. When trapped in the public eye, America’s political superstars are constantly waffling, flip-flopping, and truth-stretching to uphold public support. Hillary Clinton, one of the most publicised women in American history, has more than proven her willingness to say anything and do anything to uphold the “Clinton” name. Hillary is a victim to the idea that “you'd better be perfectly likable and authentic.” Clinton is far from authentic, as she is known for her frequent 360s on the issues, she managed to clinch the Democratic nomination from Sanders. Trump, on the other hand, takes the political lies to a new height. A recent article published by CNN suggested that “Trump supporters are more likely to believe Trump than CNN.” While some voters are oblivious or unbothered by the lies plastered in politics, the article suggests a far more extreme phenomenon: an band of hypnotised by the Trump propaganda into believing flat-out lies. In a nation where name recognition scores votes, the big-hitters are handed a golden ticket to lie unyieldingly.
Politics, simply put, has evolved into a system built on lies and highly edited political personas. Whether it be a newcomer, thirsty to build a fanbase, or a mainstream insider keeping a grasp on the polls, candidates often masquerade their way to the top, and not without public support. Until Americans can muster the attention span to look beyond the lies, politics will continue to be little more than a lying game.
