When Ronald Reagan was elected president in 1980, his ascension was met with skepticism from many, particularly in England, where I lived at the time. My pride in wearing a Reagan button drew ridicule from friends who believed that the U.S. couldn’t be taken seriously with a former movie actor at the helm.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. Now, we see would-be politicians like California Governor Gavin Newsom, who seems to take cues from the celebrity playbook. A recent Vogue profile showcases him posed dramatically, reminiscent of the iconic Marlboro Man, further blurring the lines between politics and showbiz. In this portrayal, he appears orchestrated to channel the bravado of current political figures, notably Donald Trump, with his boldness and media savvy.
Newsom’s wardrobe in the Vogue feature—a casually open-necked Western-style shirt—evokes a sense of Reagan-era Americana, underlining the enduring influence of that time. Writer Maya Singer enthusiastically describes him as “embarrassingly handsome” and “seeming presidential,” showing how the narrative of politics has embraced a more celebrity-driven approach. This trend may signal a cultural transformation, where the distinction between a politician and a celebrity has all but evaporated.
The shift away from seeing politics as an honorable profession towards a celebrity culture is stark. Many now view fame itself as a virtue rather than a cautionary tale, losing the traditional definitions of honor and respect in public service. Celebrated figures, even in entertainment, increasingly feel compelled to share their political views, blurring the lines further and suggesting that they possess a unique insight merely due to their fame.
The contemporary political landscape seems to suggest that feelings have taken precedence over actions, with figures like Hillary Clinton emphasizing empathy as a form of worthiness in the public eye. However, this concept of empathy, often equated with sincerity, may be a superficial construct, providing a façade for more profound failures. Critics like Paul Bloom have even called into question the validity of empathy itself, arguing that it often boils down to a self-serving expression of sympathy.
Yet the challenges faced by California during Newsom’s tenure could be overlooked amidst the glitz and glamour. While the Vogue article celebrates his charisma and supposed sensitivity, it fails to address the legitimate concerns of those who feel abandoned by the state’s governance. The disparity between celebrity sentiment and genuine political accountability reveals a troubling trend where appearances may take precedence over substance.
In the era of celebrity politics, the aspiration to embody the “man in the arena,” as articulated by Theodore Roosevelt, seems overshadowed by a culture that values style over action. As the public becomes more attuned to performance in politics, the inherent risks lie in drifting further from the accountability and leadership expected in governance.