Political charisma

In any electoral campaign, anywhere in the world, the candidates must not only present program and policies but also appeal to the emotions. In the current Philippine and American elections, candidates are measured also by the so-called degree of enthusiasm of their supporters.

A necessary trait of a political leader is that thing they call “charisma” – that quality of a person which makes him or her capable of influencing or inspiring large numbers of people. It is possible to develop the facade of charisma through clever and intensive use of media to transform a name into a brand – like a Marcos or a Trump. But this requires large resources and a media savy organization. This is also not a sustainable leadership style.

The two other ways of arousing enthusiasm and influencing people are through demagoguery and authenticity. Demagogues are those who exploit the politics of fear and appeal to the gut emotions of people which can even override reason.

The demagogue then points to the enemy which could be the rich, migrants, or even the rule of law as obstacles to erasing the fear. The demagogue does not present any concrete plan but instead develops a cult of personality which says that he alone can overcome these “enemies.”

The ideal type of leader is the person who presents plans and programs. However, he or she must also have the capability to arouse enthusiasm without being a demagogue. The quality that is necessary here is authenticity. Authentic is defined as “conforming to fact and therefore worthy of trust, reliance or belief.” Authenticity means trustworthy or genuine. In public life, The only way to prove that a person is an authentic leader is through that person’s personal life.

The real question: does the person’s personal life truly reflect the values that he or she is publicly espousing? The truly authentic leader does not need to use bombastic or gutter language to prove his credibility. When a Marcos says that he or she believes in integrity and justice, is this reflected in his personal life?

The same question should be asked about all the presidential candidates – Poe, Roxas, Binay, Duterte and Santiago? Whatever message they are sending to the public, is the message reflected in their personal lives?

For nearly three decades, Corazon Aquino exercised national political leadership even before and after her presidency. She was able to mobilize and influence large crowds of people without resorting to demagoguery. She led the movement to restore democracy and human rights. She led the crusade to restore integrity in government. She was truly a charismatic leader.

Her credibility came from the fact that her personal life reflected the values she espoused. When she spoke against corruption, the people believed her because they saw that she led a life of personal integrity.

P-Noy is also not a fiery speaker but his approval rating has consistently remained very high. When he speaks about his own crusade against corruption, people believe him because even his most severe critics know that he and the Aquino family are honest and trustworthy.

Leni Robredo, among the candidates for vice president, is the candidate whose charisma is due to her credibility and sincerity. These qualities are believable, in her, because of her personal life. As a lawyer, she chose to work in the Public Attorney’s Office and an NGO defending those who could not afford to hire lawyers – farmers, fishermen, poor women, and other victims of injustice. As a Congresswoman, she chose to commute from Quezon City to Naga, Camarines Sur by public bus and unaccompanied by bodyguards.

She is competing against a candidate who claims he is not as rich as other politicians but whose family has been accused of corruption measured in the billions of US dollars.

An inflexible moral standard, hard work, charismatic leadership and a personal life that reflected her public values were the traits that made Corazon Aquino the leader in the nonviolent crusade to restore democracy, human rights, and integrity in the Philippines. These are the same virtues that the Filipino people now see in Leni Robredo.

The Impossible Dream

When I wrote the column “Leni Robredo: The Impossible Dream”, I said that the lyrics of the song is the story of Leni Robredo’s quest for the vice presidency. I also mentioned that this was one of the favorite song of Ninoy Aquino and Evelio Javier – two martyrs who were both assassinated during the Marcos martial law regime because of their fight to restore democracy to the Philippines.

My generation is very familiar with the song and its lyrics. It is from a play called “The Man From La Mancha” which is based on the novel Don Quixote written by Miguel Cervantes. But it seems the song is not on the hit list of the younger generation. I have received a few queries from them about the song, so I thought I will reprint the lyrics for their benefit. Here it is:

“To dream the impossible dream/To fight the unbeatable foe/To bear with unbearable sorrow/ To run where the brave not go.

To right the unrightable wrong/To love pure and chaste from afar/To try when your arms are too weary/ To reach the unreachable star.

This is my quest/To follow the star/No matter how hopeless/No matter how far.

To fight for the right/Without question or pause/To be willing to march into hell/For a heavenly cause.

And I know if I’ll only be true/To this glorious quest/ That my heart will lie peaceful and calm/When I’m laid to my rest.

And the world will be better for this/ That one man, scorned and covered with scars/ Still strove with this last ounce of courage/ To reach the unreachable star.”

Summer creative writing classes for kids and teens

Wonder of Words Workshop: May 2, 4, 6, 10, 11 and 13 (1:30-3:30pm for 7-10 years old and 4-6pm for 11-17 years old) with guest authors, Manix Abrera and Mina Esguerra.

Young Writers’ Hangout : May 21, 28 and June 4 (10:30am-12nn except June 4, 1:30pm-3pm)

Classes will be held at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street. For registration and fee details, 0917-6240196 / [email protected]

* * *

Email: [email protected]