About Chris Christie bridge scandal - Essay Example

Scandals and Politics Scandals and politicians The impact of scandals in the life of politician depends on the ability of the politician to change the situation and make his appear as victim of the circumstance other than the cause. For Chris Christie, his rise in the Republican Party can be greatly impeded by the scandal if not addressed effectively. In fact, the major challenge of Christie is on how he addresses the challenge rather than the scandal its self. Voters by nature tend to forget easily.

Therefore, before the next primaries the scandal may have fizzled out if handled effectively. (Obeidallah, 2014) For Christie the development of a better communication strategy that creates positive image. Positive image is important in the creation of a selling brand that can be used to market a politician to the society. Having won a second term as a Governor for New Jersey, Christie has the seasoning of a good politician who can develop and become a presidential contender for the Republican Party.

The current challenge can be overcome using media and trusted friends to reshape his destiny. The closure of the two lanes leading to Washington Bridge led to massive traffic snarl-up which was considered retaliation against the democratic mayor. However, in response his close confidant David Wildstein indicated that they were conducting a study on the traffic flow. The existence of loyal friends in the political field is helpful when addressing such challenges as the scandal. With such argument, it is evident that the scandal can be solved and by 2016 the governor can have the opportunity to run for presidency in a republican ticket if he wins the primaries.

The challenge of the Christie is to develop a new image over the remaining period of time in order to handle the current scandal that is threating his change of running for presidency (Obeidallah, 2014). Good friends are effective in politics because they aid with best possible moves that can salvage the situation and allow for the creation of the momentum for the future. The current scandal is of low proportion compared to major environmental and political scandals such as the BP oil spills and the prostitution scandal and abuse of office facing the former Prime minister of Italy.

Therefore, with proper planning and publicity, it is easier to overturn the effects of the scandal and allow for the development of the new political image which encompasses national image development. The use of trusted friends in the development new image is mandatory. Trusted friends help in overcoming the situation of the scandal. The scandal created by the closure of the lanes is a minimal scandal if compared to scandals that several politicians have weathered and become leaders through the elections.

In fact, it all depends with the trusted friends and their role in influencing the media in order to create positivity. the beauty of the scandal is time is still available to rectify the problem and come up with the better approach to questions that can be asked in future about the same incidence which may not be relevant at that time. Leadership is all about creating a positive image coupled with the forgetful nature of the voters. The scandal will be forgotten if hidden and the media coverage is reduced (Obeidallah, 2014).

Therefore, the role of trusted friends in this case is to influence the media and use social media to create positivity in the whole process thereby improving the chances of success in the forthcoming elections. Positive public image is a recipe for success and friends are major contributor towards the achievement of the positive image. For Christie, the focus should be on the trusted friends in changing the current image. A good campaign team is made up of the following factors; an excellent communication strategy, free flow of information between the leader and the team as well as the linking of the team effectively with the feedback obtained from the past.

In spite of challenges, effective team work will lead to greater satisfaction and improved response from the society. Across the world, well oiled and maintained teams have handed success to a politician regardless of the scandals the politicians has been involved in because almost all politicians must face scandals at one time in life owing to the existing challenge of scrutiny. For Christie, the scandal is not financial as such can be dealt with effectively when public relations is used in the process.

However, public relations should not focus on the past but on the present and the future of the individuals. In this case, Christie intends to run for presidency under the Republican Party. This goal should not be overlooked when developing the public relations policy. Likewise, the creation of a positive image in the process should be linked with the ability to lead the country and thus increase the likelihood of wining the presidential primaries scheduled for 2016. In line with the presidential primaries, the current scandal should be exploited for the benefit of the candidate.

In politics smear campaigns are common and it is easy to change a disadvantage position to become an advantage for the politician. For the case indicated, good campaign can lead to the creation of a positive image and notion for the governor thereby ending the impact of the perceived scandal. It is vital for the Christie to understand the dynamics of politics which he has already understood. Having been re-elected governor for New Jersey, it is evident that he understands politics and thus can be able to address the challenge arising from scandals of such magnitude.

However, guidance on the way forward or the approach to be employed in the whole process is the core concern for Christie. At this juncture, friends cannot assist only trusted friends can offer concrete approaches which can be employed with a significant degree of success. In fact, trusted friends are the major asset that can be employed during crisis such as the Bridge scandal. The use of friends in solving the problem is dependent on the ability to counter the various issues associated with the scandal.

Likewise, the use of media in the process will encourage the development of positive public relations which is the key goal of involving friends in politics. Despite the challenges of the scandal, it is evident that proper communication and positive public stunts can change the whole scandal to benefit Christie. Politics and society are inseparable but the society has one major weakness which is forgetfulness. The society tends to forget events very fast leading to ease when addressing scandals.

A scandal occurring within a year can be forgotten and the politician can be elected by the same society. Reference Obeidallah, D. (2014, 01 10). Seven Reasons Chris Christie Isn’t Toast. Retrieved from The Daily Beast: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/01/10/seven-reasons-chris-christie-isn-t-toast.html