What Makes a Hero? Why Should Political Involvement Professionals Even Care?

I read with interest Harris Poll® results from a cross-section of adult Americans. The survey asked them who they admire and call their “heroes.” President Obama was number one, followed by Jesus Christ and Martin Luther King. Others in the top ten, in descending order: Ronald Regan, George W. Bush, Abraham Lincoln, John McCain, John F. Kennedy, Chesley Sullenberger and Mother Teresa. The heroes were named spontaneously, and participants were not given a list to choose from.

Today’s Hero is Tomorrow’s “Has Been”

I don’t take this information as the gospel truth because the research shows that when asked to recall this type of information, they usually go to what the researchers call “availability” – what is most available in their mind, also known as “primacy.” This is important because as political involvement persuaders, we should showcase our grassroots and PAC heroes. As many of you know, I have reminded people for about 11 years now to bring your organization’s iconic characters into your recruitment efforts. This is a reminder that today’s hero is not tomorrow’s or next week’s hero.

For example, the last time the Harris Poll® conducted the survey a few years ago, Michael Jordan was number nine and he is no longer in the top 20. Mother Teresa was number five and is now number 10. Colin Powell was number three and he is out of the top ten to number 16. Even John Wayne was number eight and he has now dropped out of the top 20. Are these people less heroic now? Did they commit a dastardly deed just made known to ruin their reputation? Probably not. However, they just are not top of mind anymore.

The bottom line: Make sure you align your heroes with those of your audience. If you are engaging iconic characters to move your grassroots program and/or PAC, make sure your heroes are relevant to your audience.

What Makes a Hero and Why Should You Care?

The Harris Poll® respondents gave many reasons to explain their choices, including: “doing what is right regardless of consequences,” “not giving up until goals are accomplished,” “doing more than what other people expect,” “overcoming adversity,” “and staying calm in a crisis.”

This coincides with an interesting finding I am uncovering as I write my book on underdog influencers. When I asked retired legislatures to tell me about someone who changed their mind on an issue, the underdog usually exhibits one of the above qualities. They demonstrate that they have indeed overcame adversity, suffered, and persevered.

The bottom line: First, it is probably good to have some organizational heroes who have gotten hurt. Second, have a batting order of icons and heroes. Today’s hero is tomorrow’s “has been.”