The year 2009 was a year of interesting political soundbites.  What make this year different is the speed and ease with which sound bites can be captured, edited and sent virally through social media.  No longer do we have to wait for the main media outlets to provide their out takes of the year in review.  We can now search, embed and tweet so the viral network can enjoy....over and over again.  While much of the mainstream media still controlls what falls on the edit floor when they replay Sunday talkshow interviews we are still able to keep context through the blog-a-sphere anaylsis of the soundbites.

This year coming is an election year and for those politicians hoping to escape the year in review video clips, such as the one above, they can follow two simple rules....

1.  Avoid Sarcasm at all costs.  Sarcasm is the lowest form of humor. It is a two edged sword and the speaker must assume that it will be taken the wrong way. 

2.  Do not do or say anything that you would be ashamed of if it were brought to light.  Remember that the light of day is located in almost anyone's cell phone or video cameras that stretch throughout any block of any major city. Being your best should mean representing the best human values at all times. If you are engaged in actions or word that violate those values you should assume that truth will be revealed in time.

Just doing these two things can make the prospective candidate or professional politician a stellar personal brand.

Posted By: Charles Fellingham