Winning the Brain Wars: Politicians Need to Heed the Angel on Their Shoulder
Ventura Star, July 18, 2005
By Terry Paulson, PhD

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of politicians before they approach that public microphone? What causes some to become political attack dogs and others to seek reasoned clarity and thoughtful inquiry? With an angel on one's shoulder and a devil on the other, you need wonder no more:

Devil: "Soon it will be your turn to speak. Don't show them any slack! This is your chance to get on the evening news!

Angel: "This isn't what you were elected to do! You said you were coming to Washington to create a bipartisan spirit. This is a chance to show your integrity and statesmanship."

Devil: "You have to be reelected for integrity to matter! The media doesn't get viewers giving America good news; they sell catastrophes and conflict! This is your chance to create a political disaster that will get covered! Remember, the party loyalists who give money to you expect red meat to chew on, and the exposed bone of a wounded enemy is the best meat of all!"

Angel: "Do unto others as you would have them do to you!"

Devil: "They're no different! Do to others before they can do it to you! Now, start by sighing and shaking your head, then give them the 'that was dumb' stare! Then go right for the jugular-'Do you really think Americans believe that! When will they lying stop?'"

Angel: "Where are the manners your mother taught you? You don't pass meaningful legislation without their help! Manners are the lubricating oil of relationships. Civility and trust count. You can disagree without being so disagreeable!"

Devil: "Look, your mother didn't have to get elected in this dog-eat-dog world. In Washington, tact and being nice do to your political power what sugar does to teeth. You wouldn't want to rot your teeth; you wouldn't want to ruin your political career. Manners may be the lubricating oil for relationships, but in Washington, wouldn't you rather grease their skid out of town?"

Angel: "Don't believe him! America was built on the freedom of speech. Show America you are one politician willing to respect differences and listen to…."

Devil: "Good point! Listen carefully! If they start to make sense, interrupt their comments and refer back to those embarrassing quotes my people found for you. Make them explain them."

Angel: "Those quotes were taken out of context, and you know it. They have nothing to do with this legislation. Speak to the issue. You're position needs to be heard!"

Devil: "Look, don't waste your time; you probably need to vote for it anyway, but a well placed attack will keep your financial support pouring in. Use that line my copy writers came up with-'It's obvious that you're an extreme, hard-line, ideologue who is completely out-of-step with mainstream American values?'"

Angel: "If you say that, it will be clear that you have no mainstream American values. You are better than this! You may not win on every issue, but let the strength of your position and your vision for the future carry the day! You might even want to surprise them and throw in an earned compliment for tackling this tough issue."

Devil: "Is this one for real? Never give on the record recognition to the enemy, or they'll use it against you in the next election. This is political war, and 'good guys' finish out of office! You didn't come to Washington to win a popularity contest."

Angel: "'Good guys' do get ahead. It may not get you headlines, but you gain the trust that gives you true influence. Relationships are like deposit systems and you can't expect to make withdrawals unless you put in a few positive deposits."

Devil: "Being nice is not always a virtue! Someone has to confront them. After all, you can see how people respect you when you come into a room."

Angel: "That's not respect; it's fear and loathing! You may have the illusion of political power, but no one will shed a tear when you're eventually defeated."

Devil: "Stay on the attack, and you won't lose! Even when they win the vote, you can claim that your tough questioning earned needed concessions. Political survivors take more than their share of the credit and less than their share of the blame. Keep it that way."

Angel: "True leaders in Washington take more of the blame and less than their share of the credit, and, as a result, people want to work with them. Even people you disagree with deserve to be treated fairly."

Devil: "Oh, quick. They're calling your name! Remember what I taught you, and it's big bucks for your campaign!"

Angel: "Follow your better nature. Be the kind of politician you came to Washington to be, and you'll be reelected for the right reasons."

May the angels of our better nature win a few more "brain wars" in Washington and Sacramento!

Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker and author of The Dinner: The Political Conversation Your Mother Told You Never to Have

—May we never forget how truly blessed we are!