Thatcher and beyond: Image management and politics go together like… (fill in the blank)
While John F. Kennedy’s 1960 campaign is often cited as the modern synthesis of politics and image, nearly 20 years on (and a continent away), British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher took image management to a whole new level.
Clearly, this kind of image management is still a big part of politics – and the US presidential primary season we’re in is no exception. As candidates increase their ad spend and explore how to reach voters in a digital world, our own guide to visual trends, 27Letters, examines Thatcher in front of the lens (see “I is for Image Control“ - you’ll have to log in, but it only takes a second).
In the meantime… Should we cross our fingers for Meryl Streep? Should current candidates take a cue from the former PM? You decide.
Oscar hype continues this week with the announcement of the nominations for the 84th Academy Awards. LEFT IMAGE: British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher takes the applause during the Conservative Party Conference on October 10, 1980 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Geoff Bruce/Central Press/Getty Images). RIGHT IMAGE: Meryl Streep attends the Official Awards Ceremony during Day 9 of the 4th International Rome Film Festival held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica on October 23, 2009 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)
