The Power of Popularity: How Legal Problems Can't Deter Political Success

 

The Power of Popularity: How Legal Problems Can't Deter Political Success

The recent South African election has left many surprised, with Jacob Zuma's newly formed MKMVA party, a splinter group of the ANC, winning 14% of the vote in their debut election. This is despite Zuma's conviction on corruption charges and his tarnished reputation. But Zuma is not alone in this phenomenon. Bheki Cele, the current Minister of Police, has also been convicted of a criminal offense, yet he remains a powerful figure in South African politics.

Bheki Cele's Conviction

In 2011, Bheki Cele was convicted of fraud and corruption for his role in the Durban Arms Deal scandal. He was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment, but was later released after serving only three months. Despite this conviction, Cele went on to become the Minister of Police in 2019.

The Similarity with Donald Trump

Donald Trump's presidency was marked by numerous controversies and legal issues, including allegations of collusion with Russia and tax evasion. However, despite these challenges, Trump maintained a strong following and won the presidency. Similarly, Bheki Cele's conviction has not deterred his popularity or his ability to hold a high-ranking political position.

Silvio Berlusconi's Resilience

Italian politician Silvio Berlusconi has been embroiled in numerous scandals throughout his career, including bribery and tax evasion. Despite this, he has managed to remain popular and even served as Prime Minister four times. Berlusconi's ability to connect with voters and his charisma have helped him overcome his legal issues.

Rudi Giuliani's Rise to Prominence

Rudi Giuliani's legal troubles began when he was accused of corruption during his time as Mayor of New York City. Despite this, he went on to become a successful lawyer and politician, serving as Governor of New York and later as a top advisor to Donald Trump. Giuliani's reputation as a tough-on-crime mayor and his ability to connect with voters helped him overcome his legal issues.

What Can We Learn From These Examples?

These examples illustrate that legal problems can't always deter political success. In each case, the politician's popularity was fueled by their charisma, their ability to connect with voters, and their willingness to take risks. While these factors are not unique to politicians, they are essential for building a strong political base.

The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion

The media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the perception of politicians. In many cases, the media has been accused of biasing reporting against politicians who are embroiled in legal scandals. This can be seen in the way that Donald Trump's presidency was covered by the media, with many outlets focusing on his controversies rather than his policies.

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