Mixed Martial Arts as a Metaphor for Today’s Political Campaign
Back in the day, when you jumped into the political ring you needed a couple key skills (money, great image, deft speaking ability) and you could win. That’s not unlike the early era of Mixed Martial Arts where an incredibly huge guy or an adept Brazilian Jiu Jitsu artist could rack up wins because they overwhelmed the field with an area or two of expertise. Fighter’s were able to train for a fight for a couple months, have the event, and take a couple months off back then too.
Fast forward to 2010. Today’s fighter must be well rounded in all of the major disciplines or he (or she) likely won’t make it out of the minor leagues. He must also train constantly. Short breaks aside, he cannot afford to stop training for even a week lest his opponent exploit the weakness. He needs wrestling, submissions, striking, incredible cardio to go the distance and outlast his opponent..and of course an unwavering spirit that overcomes pain, injury, and adversity to conquer his opponent. He likely needs a cadre of training pros as well to help specialize and improve in various disciplines.
Likewise, today’s campaign is never ending buoyed by a relentless news cycle. It requires not a simple political consultant…but a team of professional specialists. The candidate must have a ground game, the ability to raise ever more funds, an online game that blows the technological mind, a network of grassroots activist support, a massive amount of content production, constant attention to online and offline micro-communities, and the mental game to comprehend countless issues about the economy and scenarios both local and global. Also, don’t forget one small slip and your campaign has to tap out.
Bottom line you must become a multi-disciplinary fighter to win in today’s political Octagon. You need to cohesively put all your weapons into place and get your mind in total harmony with the process. Ready to throw down and become the Ultimate Fighter? Or will you get pounded out and left in whimpering heap in round one? Let’s get it on!
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