The term political entrepreneur as defined in the Aday & Lvingston reading is a “network of professionals with recognized expertise and competence in a particular domain and an authoritative claim to policy-relevant knowledge within that domain or issue area.” In other literature, political entrepreneurs are people who use the political arena to capitalize on controversial issues and events (Younkins, 2000). Although the literature in this week’s class focuses on transnational networks as entrepreneurs, I think the term political entrepreneur can also be specifically applied to individuals who, through the media, use the political arena to advance their own interest.
By definition, Sarah Palin could be considered a political entrepreneur. Palin’s bid for the white house in 2008 can arguably be classified legitimate. Her subsequent political involvement however, gives the appearance that she is a self absorbed political entrepreneur who used the public sphere to push her own financial agenda. Not long after losing the election in 2008 Palin, could be seen on nearly all major news networks promoting her new reality television show and book. Although she was no longer Governor of Alaska or a political candidate, she used her political reputation to make money. Just like Palin, Donald Trump relied heavily on the mass media to increase his popularity as well as promote his reality TV show. In both of these cases, the media served a key role in promoting the selfish interests of two political entrepreneurs who did little contribute to advancing society.
Chantel,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you except on one point: I don't think either of these people (especially Trump) can use the term "political" in their title! I think they are just using the system to gain, but it doesn't have to be about politics at all. That was just the best way to stir up interest.