In terms of crafting a candidate's perception in the public eye, humor is an extremely powerful weapon. People like funny. Self-deprecating humor is a way of reclaiming ownership of a personal attack launched by someone else. In pathological forms, some individuals end up feeling very badly about themselves because they are so on guard against slights to their self-esteem that they use self-deprecating humor in a fixated, defensive way, attacking themselves on all fronts before someone else gets a chance to. In politics, this form of humor can allow one to take the venom out of their opponent's attacks by turning it on oneself. Sen. McCain, for example, was extremely effective in his use of Saturday Night Live appearances. One major criticism of Sen. McCain's candidacy was his age. In one SNL skit, Sen. McCain addresses the nation to say: "What should we be looking for in our next president?....Someone who is very, very, very old." He later goes on to conclude that "I have the oldness to protect America." Both candidates scored some major likeability points for brief comedy routines at the Alfred E. Smith Charity Dinner in October. Sen. McCain quipped that "Joe the Plumber" actually moved up in the tax bracket after contracting with a wealthy couple to plumb all seven of their homes. For his part, President-elect Obama poked fun at his Greek column grandiosity, joked that the name Barack is actually Swahili for "that one" and jested that his middle name is actually Steve.
A strong election campaign involves the crafting of an emotionally rich and meaningful narrative (so does psychotherapy, for that matter). To accomplish this, politicians can and probably do learn much from studying psychology. Psychologists also learn much through studying the process of politics. It's true bipartisanship. To the extent that elections involve careful attention to perception, emotions, and behavior, then politics and psychology are intimately intertwined. One might just say that the two often go palling around with each other.
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On a closing note, welcome to The Shrink Tank blog. Our central focus will be on the practice and science of psychotherapy. We will explore the psychotherapy experience, common treatment issues, research findings, and the culture of working in this field. From time to time, we'll venture out to looking at psychology and psychotherapy concepts as seen outside the consulting room. I hope the journey will be informative, thought-provoking, and fun. Check back often, but for today's session, our time is up.
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DISCLAIMER:
Please note that while this blog includes anecdotes originally based on true events, several changes have been made to protect the identity of those involved. In addition, in several instances the individuals described are in fact composite characters created from experiences working with numerous patients and colleagues dealing with the same or similar issues. These steps are taken to protect client confidentiality in accordance with both ethical and legal guidelines.
This blog and any questions answered on it or through the email
jareddefifept@gmail.com in no way implies or states any professional and/or therapeutic relationship between Dr. Jared DeFife and the readers of the blog. The Shrink Tank blog is not a form of psychotherapy, counseling, or a mental health treatment or therapy of any kind, nor should it be used as a substitute for psychotherapy or other appropriate and necessary mental health treatments and services. This blog will not prevent, cure, or treat any kind of medical,
psychiatric, or psychological illness or problem. The Shrink Tank blog is not an emergency or clinical service of any kind. In no event shall Jared DeFife be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, incidental and consequential damages) resulting from the use of this blog, whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other legal theory.
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