[resolve]

Ok, so I've been thinking if this art thing doesn't work out (but I'm going to give it my all until it drives me into the ground or some form of prosperity dammit >_<!) I was thinking politics might be an interesting field choice. It was a fleeting thought.

However, that fleeting thought diverged into what does it exactly take to get into politics? Can any idiot just do it? Obviously money is a big factor or at least the ability to raise money. But what about the rest? Charisma? The more I think about what it should take to get into politics the more I realise most politicians don't have these things (except money) or have some kind of slick imitation of them.

I know there are age limits on certain offices (not sure what ages belong to what offices though) as well.

But seriously, what does it take to get into politics these days (in America at least, you 'furiners' can post what it takes in your part of the world too) and what do you think it SHOULD take?

[bob]

Originally Posted by resolve

But seriously, what does it take to get into politics these days

Spoiler:

[HappyOldGuy]

Basically, it takes a constituency. You need people who will give you money, vote for you, staff your phone banks, etc. There are lots of ways you can get that, but most involve getting yourself involved in one way or another with a group that is heavily involved with politics and making friends with the people who can get stuff like that done. One obvious place to start would be your city/county democratic or republican committee, but understand that noone is going to give you anything, and this isn't going to be a job interview. You will need to hustle and make friends with the power bloc you are courting, and while you may not have to literally go down on ronald, you best be prepared for a whole lot of figurative cum guzzling. The various players are going to judge you based on how likely you are to win, and how likely you are to do what they want.

That's assuming you want to make politics your career (i.e. make a living wage at it). If you just want to hold elected office, there are shedloads of positions running uncontested or loosely contested enough that you can win them with the same effort it would take to win homecoming queen.

[Cullion]

I'll consider your appeal, but first you need to plead your case. Give me a reason to make this happen for you.

[resolve]

I wouldn't want to get into UK politics Cullion, that shit's insane.

[bob]

People saying they want to get into politics if they fail at their chosen career path make me want to become a Libertarian.

[Cullion]

Originally Posted by resolve

I wouldn't want to get into UK politics Cullion, that shit's insane.

I wasn't talking about UK politics specifically. That's pretty much under control now, so I have the noobs handle it.

[bob]

Originally Posted by bornsceptic

People saying they want to get into politics if they fail at their chosen career path make me want to become a Libertarian.

On the other hand, there is already a clearly established blueprint for failing as an artist and launching a wildly successful political career...

[Robot Jesus]

just go to a gym that also promotes, if your any good the coach will throw you a bone eventually.

[STIFFI]

Cullion is the power behind the throne.

If you make a good physical appearance and play a proper puppet, Cullion will see your ascendancy, for a price