When should PR and politics mix?

By Linda VandeVrede on September 28th, 2009 In Best Practices

Kudos to Arizona’s Attorney General Terry Goddard.   It seems rare that a politician will recuse himself on the basis of previous appearances and statements, but he has done so when it comes to the issue of a proposed new state law that puts restrictions on abortions.  

There aren’t a lot of public figures with this level of integrity, so it comes to me as a pleasant exception to all the personal agendas that many of our state and federal politicians exemplify.    (And please, readers, don’t take this particular post as an open invitation to debate the topic of abortion – I’ll save that for my braver fellow bloggers).

What I do wonder, however, is the line that public relations professionals must draw personally when it comes to providing counsel and support to clients on issues that conflict with their own values and beliefs.  

One executive asked me to provide PR support for a state candidate of whom he was particularly fond.  It happened to be the opposite political party to mine, and I was screwing up the courage to tell this executive that no, this constituted an area above and beyond my official responsibilities, but thankfully this client moved onto other ideas and never approached me about it again.   That’s the only time in my career that politics entered the picture, but maybe I’ve been lucky.

How about you?

When should PR and politics mix?

Comments

Diane Leifer Says:
September 28th, 2009 at 10:55 am

If Goddard had true integrity he would stand up and defend the law, rather than let it be watered down by more right wing red tape. Yet again, another politician who fails to walk the talk when the heat is on.

Diane Leifer Says:
September 28th, 2009 at 5:23 pm

As Public Relations professionals we are trained and encouraged to research and understand our client’s products/services and then develop appropriate strategies to communicate and educate the public. Personally I cannot promote a product, person, or political agenda that I find harmful, disrespectful, or against my own morals and ethics. Perhaps I am in the minority, I do not know. However, I do know that we as Public Relations professionals, would gain more respect and credibility for our profession if we insist that our clients tell the truth, rather than “bending” it in order to satisfy their never ending need to promote their products and services. Regarding political viewpoints, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and should definitely stand up for what they believe in. I personally cannot promote a political agenda that does not resonate with my own stand on the particular issue, and subsequently cannot accept politicians or business leaders that compromise their own values in order to further their careers.

Add your Comment


Want Your Picture Icon? Go to gravatar.com and set a picture up to your email address for free. It also works on thousands of other websites, too!