Political storytelling and authenticity

In the business narrative/storytelling corner of the blogosphere, there's been some discussion of the role of stories in the recent Australian election. On the one hand, Shawn Callahan has discussed the value that stories had in presenting and communicating the virtues of Prime Minister-elect Kevin Rudd, and of Parliamentary candidate Maxine McKew. On the other hand, Dave Snowden dismissed most political storytelling, including Rudd's, as insincere propaganda.

My thoughts? Storytelling and narrative are powerful tools. Within them is the power to communicate deeply--and to manipulate. I view the narratives of politicians, especially those running for high office, with a great deal of cynicism. Why? Because a story of a politician deeply moved by an encounter with an ordinary citizen doesn't square with the counter-story of the politician's well-researched and market-tested "message," spin doctors, and the careful stage-managing of campaign events.

The most memorable story I recall of an American politician was President George H.W. Bush (I believe; it might have been Reagan) attending a baseball game, ordering a hot dog, and looking sheepishly to his Secret Service men to pay for it, since he never carried any money on him.

I remember another story about a Cabinet secretary whose biggest adjustment, after leaving office, was losing his chauffeur and having to drive himself around for the first time in six years.

These stories say a lot to me about how Presidents and Prime Ministers relate to the constituency. There's nothing wrong with it, per se, but the "My world is a lot different from your world" stories drown out the down-to-earth stories they tell about themselves.

storytelling, politics, narrative, marketing