A national political campaign is better than the best circus ever

Opening Scene – Narrated by Host
The café was filled with the gentle hum of conversation and the soft clink of coffee cups. Jack sat near the window, his coffee cooling in front of him as he stared out at the street. He seemed lost in thought, his mind likely preoccupied with something that had been bothering him—the state of politics, perhaps, or the spectacle of it all. The late afternoon sun poured in through the windows, casting a warm light over the room, but it did little to shake the seriousness of his expression.

Across from him, Jeeny noticed his distant look. She could tell that Jack was reflecting on something deeper—perhaps about the theatrics of politics, the showmanship that often surrounds national campaigns. She decided it was the right time to bring up a quote, one that could shift their conversation toward a reflection on the nature of politics and its place in society.

Host: The calm murmur of the café filled the space as Jeeny spoke, her voice steady but with a hint of curiosity. The topic was about to take a turn toward the performance of politics, the drama that surrounds it, and how it affects the way we perceive our leaders.

Character Descriptions
Jack
In his early 30s, Jack was a thinker, someone who often reflected on the absurdity and spectacle of politics. His grey eyes showed a deep understanding of the ways in which politics could become a performance, an act, rather than a genuine effort to address the needs of society. Jack respected the importance of civic engagement, but he also found himself questioning how often political campaigns resembled something closer to theater or a circus than a serious pursuit of progress. His voice was steady, but there was an underlying cynicism in his tone when it came to the spectacle of national campaigns.

Jeeny
Late 20s, Jeeny had a sharp intuition for understanding how societal systems, particularly politics, played out in real life. Her dark eyes were always observing, keen to see beyond the surface and understand the dynamics at play. Jeeny believed in the importance of truth and integrity, especially when it came to leadership, but she also saw the undeniable performance involved in modern political life. Her voice was calm yet insightful, guiding Jack to reflect on the theatrical nature of political campaigns and how that affects the public's view of politics.

Host
The silent observer, attuned to the subtle dynamics of the conversation. The Host understood that sometimes the most profound realizations came when people reflected on the performance and spectacle of politics, how it often becomes a show for the public, and what that says about the system we have in place.

Main Debate

Jeeny: She set her coffee cup down gently, her voice calm but focused. “Jack, I came across a quote from H. L. Mencken the other day, and it made me think about how we view politics. He said, ‘A national political campaign is better than the best circus ever heard of, with a mass baptism and a couple of hangings thrown in.’ What do you think of that?”

Jack: He looked up, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “That’s Mencken for you—always sharp with the critique. But honestly, there’s some truth in that. When you think about it, national political campaigns often feel more like a performance than a serious attempt at governance. It’s all about the spectacle, the drama, the entertainment—and yes, at times, it’s like watching a circus. Sometimes I wonder if we’re more interested in the show than the substance.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Mencken’s comparison to a circus is spot-on. The drama, the climaxes, the sensationalism—it’s all there. We have political debates that are often more about creating soundbites than creating meaningful discussions. And the audience plays along, responding more to the theatrics than to the actual substance of what’s being discussed. It’s all part of the show.”

Jack: “It’s funny because we often criticize the media for focusing on the spectacle of politics, but the campaigns themselves play into that. They create this performance—big rallies, flashy ads, soundbites meant to get attention. It’s like they’re putting on a show for the public, trying to entertain them into voting for the right candidate. It’s not always about real substance.”

Jeeny: “Right, and that’s where Mencken’s quote gets interesting. He’s pointing out that political campaigns, like circuses, thrive on excitement and sensationalism. They rely on drama and spectacle to draw attention, and that’s often what gets people invested. But when you strip away the performance, what’s left? Do the candidates actually have real, meaningful ideas that address the needs of the people, or are we just witnessing a show?”

Host: The atmosphere in the café seemed to shift as Jack’s expression deepened, as if the comparison between politics and circus had sparked a realization. The conversation was moving from a critique of campaigns to a reflection on the very nature of modern political engagement.

Jack: “I think what bothers me the most is how disconnected the process feels from actual governance. It’s like we’ve forgotten that the purpose of political campaigns is to elect someone who will serve the public, not someone who can put on the best show. It’s about substance, not spectacle. And yet, it often feels like it’s the opposite.”

Climax and Reconciliation

Jeeny: “Exactly. And this is where Mencken’s critique really hits home. Political campaigns, like a circus, can be entertaining, but the consequences are real. People’s lives are affected by the decisions that come out of these campaigns. So when we treat the election process like a spectacle—with all its dramatics, promises, and soundbites—it risks losing sight of the actual responsibility that comes with power.”

Jack: “I think I’ve been caught up in it too. It’s easy to get swept up in the drama of it all, especially with how much the media amplifies it. But maybe we need to start focusing on the substance of the candidates, what they actually stand for, and what they can do to improve lives. The performance can’t overshadow the purpose of the political process.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. The key is to recognize the theatrics for what they are—entertainment and spectacle—but not to let them define the decision we make. We need to focus on real leadership, not just the best performance. At the end of the day, we’re not voting for a show—we’re voting for someone who will shape our future.”

Host: The light in the café seemed to soften as Jack had a moment of realization. The true purpose of political engagement wasn’t about the performance or the entertainment—it was about substance, responsibility, and real leadership. Mencken’s comparison of political campaigns to a circus had reminded them both that while the show might be entertaining, the stakes were much higher.

Outside, the world continued on its usual pace, but inside the café, Jack had come to understand that while politics might often be a spectacle, it should never be treated like one. Leadership and governance required depth, substance, and a focus on the real needs of the people—not just the drama and excitement of the campaign. True leadership was built on more than just a good performance; it was about the responsibility that comes with power.