Politics and parenthood
by Damien Hickman
My 11 week old daughter likes to sleep while going for a 'walk' in her pram. Recently as I we walked along, left to my thoughts, I realised that politics is a lot like parenthood. Both are journeys of unexpected twists and turns, highs and lows, sheer exhilaration and utter desperation. Former British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson is famously quoted as saying: 'A week is a long time in politics'. He must have been a parent. With sleepless nights, never ending feeds and nappy changes, plus the repetitive 'walks' around the block trying to get the little one to sleep, he could have easily said: 'A week is a long time in parenthood'.
Anticipating the mood in the 'electorate' is an essential skill for new parents and governments. Sometimes you get a squawk only to be followed by a smile. At other times you may get a giggle that turns into a cry. This makes coming up with a policy to address issues in a way that keeps everyone happy an 'unknown'. Maybe former United States Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld was speaking of parenthood when he said 'There are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns – the ones we don't know we don't know'.
With ears keenly trained for the smallest whisper, the slightest noise, or any hint of an internal revolt – politics is a lot like parenthood. My wife and I have mastered the art of sensing disquiet. Our preferred tactic is to stand frozen still outside a slightly ajar door, too making sure we don't breathe too hard so that we don't draw attention to ourselves. I am sure it looks hilarious, but we know that if you don't keep the backbench happy – it will cause significant unrest.
Yet there is one important way in which parenthood, thankfully, is not like politics. That is, the bond of loyalty and unconditional acceptance. Lucking for this new Dad, no matter how badly I sing my lines or how much she disapproves of the 'bedtime now' policy, the one thing I do know - is that from her wonderful gummy smile this little powerbroker is sticking with its leader.
Damien Hickman is PhD Candidate in Political Science and proud father of Liesel Grace.
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