Being a young adult under the Obama administration, this is the most I have seen of any president. It is also the most attention I have seen focused on the first family, specifically the first lady. However, my perceptions of presidential exposure could be attributed to the fact that I was only in high school during the Bush administration, and honestly, my interest in politics was not at an all-time high.
But taking a step back, I have noticed that President Obama and the first family get as much TV time and coverage as today’s mainstream celebrities. The last time the first family ever got this much attention was during the Kennedy administration.
As a culture we have become obsessed with everything from what the Obamas wear to where they spend their vacation, with the occasional politics sprinkled in there. A great example of this would be the certain attention given to the first lady’s brand new haircut. I will admit that I love it, but at the same time, we must remember that an inauguration is going on. Even the president is quoted calling his lovely wife’s new hair cut the “most significant” event of the inaugural weekend.
It is not just the first lady who is constantly in the spot light. The president himself has made his rounds on the talk show circuit, more than any other president has. He has even been on “Mythbusters.” His many talk show appearances have been criticized by his opposition and some supporters; they do not see it as “presidential.”
However, in today’s world it is a lucrative campaign strategy. These talk shows are typically on during the day in middle-class households, offices and various establishments. He is reaching all demographics, eventually resulting in election and re-election.
This “mainstream” president will only become more prevalent as we as a world advance in technology. It will not just be specific to presidential candidates, but will eventually trickle down to other public offices. This new open way of running a campaign and holding office helps keep candidates honest about their character.
Social media, blogs and talk shows are an upgrade from a stuffy journalist with pen, paper and a recorder. It is a great way to reach the youth who barely, actually close to never, read the newspaper and who do not stay on news channels more than eight seconds. The television and the computer are where the culture is, and it is where the president should be.
Those who criticize the president for his pop culture popularity act as if the president is blowing off meeting with world leaders to sit on the couch with the ladies of “The View.” It is just good public relations. I know it is a hard concept, but the public must actually like the president as a person to trust in his ability to lead.
Appearing on talk shows with comedians that are notorious for making jokes about the current president and being able to joke and laugh with them increases his likability and increases the public trust in him. The pop culture president is the president of the future, and I must say it is a positive direction.
