It's a fundamental paradox of American culture: Everyone likes to think they're both exceptional and normal.
This was on prominent display in the last two presidential campaigns, when we were informed ad nauseam that George W. Bush, unlike his rivals, was a "regular guy" and therefore more likable.
The first problem with that assertion is its demonstrable falseness. Regular guys don't grow up in rich and powerful families. They don't go to Yale and Harvard. (Bush's grades could support the argument that he wasn't fully present, but so could John Kerry's.) And regular guys don't start their careers with millions of dollars from family friends, only to be bailed out again after each loss.
The second problem is its relevance. You might find a wisecracking frat boy likable; I generally don't. Regardless, we were choosing someone to lead the country, not the office softball team. Why on earth would we want a regular guy? Al Gore was pedantic, I grant you, and John Kerry wooden, but so what? I'd much rather have a know-it-all in the White House than a know-nothing. Despite what CNN might suggest, the president is unlikely to join you for a drink (even a club soda) at your neighborhood bar.
In this brilliant clip, Bill Maher asks what's wrong with wanting distinguished people to fill important positions.
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2 comments:
Being a snotty elitist I want exceptional people in public life but they don't seem to want to run for public office. Maybe I should run?
Amen. Regular people just suck the life outta ya.
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