Stagecraft for the Small Screen

In "Making a point in Washington? You'll need a prop," a reporter from the Los Angeles Times argues that stunts on the Capitol steps have become more prop-driven in the age of YouTube as congressional representatives draw out dead fish, live wolves, and fuel efficient cars to score political points that translate well to YouTube and other distributed media news sources. Some pols argue, however, that this stagecraft risks highly publicized failure if it is not a perfect virtuoso performance.

"Political theater still has a role in highlighting a cause or issue, but . . . it's important not to get buried in the part," said Pete Sepp of the National Taxpayers Union. "Given the wealth of online video, for example, a failed publicity stunt can be seen by millions instead of just a roomful of people."

I wasn't entirely convinced, however, by the article's argument for a new media connection, given how difficult it was to find the videos described using popular Internet search engines that look for content that is heavily trafficked and frequently viewed. The video below is one exception, which also highlight a DIY rhetoric that is often important for an Internet appeal as this elected official shows how a border fence could be built as modular units by using a small model.