Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Senior Labour party officials are encouraging Keir Starmer to adopt strategies similar to those used by Donald Trump, particularly emphasizing the importance of increased media visibility to shape the political discourse effectively. Citing Trump’s unorthodox approaches to communication, including broadcasting significant cabinet meetings and making impromptu appearances on various media platforms, these MPs believe such a strategy could invigorate Starmer’s public presence.
Currently, Starmer’s modus operandi seems to focus on a more reserved approach towards media engagement, as he has often expressed a desire for politics to intrude less in people’s lives. This strategy sometimes leads to prolonged periods without any public engagement, which some party members argue is outdated in today’s fast-paced political landscape where news cycles shift rapidly.
Critics within his party contend that Starmer’s cautious media strategy does not align with modern political conventions, where constant engagement might be necessary to maintain relevance. One minister pointed out, “Trump and [Vice President] JD Vance have demonstrated the benefits of being frequently in the spotlight and not hesitating to make mistakes.” They provided a notable example of Vance, who, despite suffering missteps during interviews in the lead-up to elections, ultimately garnered attention for his core messages.
Another Labour MP expressed admiration for Trump’s proactive communication style during his administration, stating, “Watching Trump early in his presidency, with regular announcements, was enviable. Picture if we had implemented a similar approach. It’s less about the announcements’ veracity and more about establishing our identity and vision.”
Throughout his presidency, Trump utilized unconventional channels for communication, including making significant policy announcements or even changing personnel through social media. His willingness to engage in spontaneous conversations on popular news shows contributed to a unique brand of visibility which many strategists now find appealing.
The communication strategies employed by Trump and Vance during their recent campaigns featured a mix of direct engagements, such as lengthy podcast interviews with hosts like Joe Rogan and Logan Paul. These platforms opened dialogues with demographics that often feel disconnected from traditional political rhetoric, albeit sometimes leading to controversial exchanges. For example, Vance faced backlash for jokingly agreeing with remarks about the Sackler family that many deemed inappropriate.
Despite the potential for controversy, this strategy has been identified as a means to reach a younger, predominantly male audience that is typically less engaged with conventional political discourse.
Following his election, Trump further enhanced this approach, even broadcasting parts of his cabinet meetings, highlighting a more inclusive and direct style of governance. After a recent public confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump himself remarked, “This is going to be great television,” underscoring his intent to harness media attention actively.
This media-centric philosophy is reminiscent of statements made by Trump’s advisor Steve Bannon, who asserted that the true opposition to politicians lies in the media landscape itself, advocating for a strategy that overwhelms the narrative with consistent messaging and engagement.
In contrast, Starmer’s administration maintains stringent control over its narrative, favoring a calculated approach that prioritizes consistency and discipline in messaging. This includes providing ministers with “lines to take” for interviews and meticulously scheduling media appearances through a grid system.
Lee Cain, a former communications chief for Boris Johnson, argues that contemporary politicians need to adapt to deliver compelling messages across various platforms, from TikTok to lengthy discussions on podcasts. “The era of pre-planned communications is fading,” Cain observed, emphasizing that authenticity can be lost in efforts to avoid controversy.
Recent studies indicate that platforms like the Rogan podcast are amassing audiences comparable to traditional media outlets, with younger demographics increasingly favoring social media as their primary news source. This transformation poses challenges for politicians like Starmer, who may find it difficult to adapt to the changing landscape.
While acknowledging the evolving media environment, some Labour party members express skepticism about Starmer’s ability to replicate Trump’s success. One MP commented, “Trump’s style is a product of his genuine character. If Starmer attempted to mimic that, it would likely come off as inauthentic—an essential quality in today’s media environment.”
Source
www.theguardian.com