"How do we manipulate the media to our favor, huh?
"Well, I mean, there's several ways to do it. The most common way is just to have the media controlled by your allies. Have them play up all of your positive qualities, and smear anyone who disagrees with you."
"And what if they refuse to play along? What if we need to take more... drastic measures?"
"You're talking about propaganda, Kazuo. We can write articles, make little videos, stuff like that. But it's still gonna be propaganda. It's gonna be pretty obvious, at least to people who are already kinda leaning towards you. It won't change anyone's mind."
"I see. So we need something more... persuasive. Something that will make people not just lean towards me, but follow me blindly. Is there a way to achieve that, my friend?"
"Blindly? You're talking about brainwashing, at this point. And the methods for that are a lot more dubious. You could try to get people to associate you with some kind of reward, or bribe, or...or just make people afraid of the consequences of not agreeing with you."
"Hm. Interesting. And how do we go about this?"
"You already know how, Kazuo. You've been doing it your whole life. It's called politics."
"Politics, huh? Well, I guess I've got some experience there. So, what exactly do you have in mind?"
"What's your approval rating, Kazuo?"
"My approval rating? Well, it's quite high, if I may say so myself. People appreciate my leadership during these trying times."
"Good, good. And what's the main issue on people's minds right now? Unemployment? Income inequality? The threat of alien invasion?"
"I would say it's the rising cost of living. People are struggling to make ends meet, and they're looking for someone to blame. We need to capitalize on that sentiment, my friend."
"Yes, yes you do. And you need to do it in a way that seems...non-political. People are tired of politics. They want solutions, not ideologies."
"I see. So we need to present ourselves as non-partisan, unbiased. A voice for the people, above the political fray. Do you have any suggestions for how we can do that?"
"Well, for one thing, don't use party lingo. Speak in plain, simple language. Don't act like a politician. And God forbid you start off with 'I believe.' Just state shit, like a goddamn fact."
"Alright, I understand. Plain language, no jargon, no party ideology. Let's keep it simple and stick to the facts. Any other suggestions, my friend?"
"Yeah. Present yourself as sane, level-headed. People are sick of seeing crazy politicians. Just...just don't do anything dumb."
"I will make sure to maintain a composed and rational demeanor. No grandiose statements, no outlandish promises. Just calm, logical reasoning. Is there anything else we need to do, my friend?"
"No, that's it. Just remember, it's all about perception. Project the persona of a thoughtful, serious leader, and people will follow you. Even if they don't agree with everything you say."
"Thank you for your advice, my friend. I will do my best to project the persona of a thoughtful, serious leader. I see the path to power now, and with your help, I am confident that I can achieve it."
I smirk "Good. Now go make some politics, old man."
"With pleasure. Let us see how the people react to my latest stump speech. I am sure they will be impressed."
"I hope not. Now go, run for re-election."
"As you command, my loyal advisor. I shall immediately begin working on my campaign. Thank you for all of your help."
"Why, it was my pleasure, Kazuo. Besides, it's always fun to see you win, old man." I smirk, and sip my tea
"Juicy, yes! And the opposition? Weak points?"
"Weak points... I think the main one is the economy. Their economic plans just don't hold up to scrutiny. And they're still pushing that 'debt crisis' narrative - you fell for it, didn't you?"
"Damn it. So they're using the debt crisis as an excuse to cut social programs and sell off public assets. I can see it now. Well, what's their solution to the economy?"
"They don't have one. They just keep repeating that they're the party of 'free markets,' without ever defining what that means or how it would actually help people. It's all just empty rhetoric."
"Rhetoric, yes. Rhetoric is powerful. We must expose their empty words and show the people the truth. I have a plan to do just that."
"Oh? Pray, do tell, old man."
"We will publish a series of advertisements highlighting the true effects of their economic policies. Ad after ad, we will reveal the devastating impact of their so-called 'free market' policies on the little guy - the worker, the student, the senior citizen. We will show the people the harsh reality of their actions, and convince them that only we can protect their interests."
"That sounds like a solid plan, Kazuo. Go get some data, and start making ads."
"At once! I will gather the best data available, and create the most compelling advertisements possible. We will show the people the truth, and they will believe in us. This is the path to victory!"