I don’t know about you, but I can’t see the same people on TV and in the news over and over again without likening them to Star Wars characters. If you’ll remember I had a similar problem with Star Wars and money lessons. Just me? Okay so I’m weird.
I started compiling a list a few weeks ago and have finally come up with enough to publish it. Sadly, I haven’t been able to match all politicians with Star Wars characters, and I can’t get the story to match up perfectly. I hope you’ll forgive me and have some fun with it.
At the bottom I’ve included a list of other characters I need help with. Please leave a comment and make a contribution. I’ll update the post as we get more. Thanks.
Of course, we have to start with…
Barack Obama as Luke Skywalker
Both lost grew up not knowing much about their fathers. Barack Obama came out of nowhere a few years ago and rose to the head of the country. Luke came out of nowhere, blew up the Death Star, and was vital to the success of the rebellion.
Joe Biden as Darth Vader
Biden and Vader are both from humble backgrounds. Though as they got older they each obtained more power and fame. Ultimately, in their finest hour each switched sides. Biden to the Executive Branch and Darth to the Dark Side of the force.
Hillary Clinton as Leia Organa-Solo
Leia was one of the most prominent leaders against her opposition. Hillary played the same role in the election last year. Both of them were given top postings when the war was won and a new government was formed. They both also married playboys known far and wide…
Bill Clinton as Han Solo
Both of these “bad boys” are known for getting out to sticky situations when backed into a corner. Both were happy to settle into retirement after their glory days, but the powerful woman they married pulled them back into the spotlight.
Nancy Pelosi as Mon Mothma
Mothma was only briefly seen in the movies (Episode VI) but she played a role from the beginning as a member of the Senate in opposition to the emperor. Perhaps once pretty ladies in their own day, Mothma and Pelosi are now aged from too many years of being mean and angry.
Timothy Geithner as Lando Calrissian
Tim and Lando both come from questionable backgrounds. Their ties to government have been loose, and we may never know all their secrets. Both were pulled into the game kind of late, but we’ve still put our faith in their success. Lando can do it, can Geithner?
Bobby Jindall as Anakin Skywalker
The up and coming Republican/Jedi is known within their respective ranks as the future of the order. Anakin ended up being a big disappointment, and Jindall’s response to the Obama speech was sad and weak. I can’t get the picture out of my head of some Sr. Republican calling Jindall after the speech and crying “YOU WERE THE CHOSEN ONE!”
Senator Chris Dodd as Jar-Jar Binks
Like Jar-Jar, Chris Dodd stumbled out of the swamps of his small homeland (Connecticut) and into the most powerful legislature of our time. As Jar-Jar was manipulated into introducing emergency powers to Palpatine, it was Dodd’s fault for passing legislation that bailed out banks but didn’t require them to loan out any money.
Dick Cheney as Emperor Palpatine
Come on, all I really need to say is both men are old and scary. But both also gained government power never before seen by predecessors. The lessons learned by their mistakes mean that no one will ever again wield such power.
Alan Greenspan as Yoda
Greenspan – Yoda is green, both have big ears, I could go on. Both of these creatures were widely considered to be the most significant human beings of their time. Sadly, they both oversaw the destruction of what they had worked so hard to protect due to a failure to see through the haze of the future.
George Bush as Chancellor Valorum
Palpatine’s predecessor was largely elected based on his family’s political influence. A weak leader, he was betrayed by his supporters once it fit their agenda. Sound familiar?
Rod Blagojevich as Jabba the Hutt
Both of these vile creatures were able to manipulate and cheat their way into power. They ruled lands far away from the center of influence in their societies. Both saw the heroes of each story rise out of their midst, and both were ultimately taken down due to carelessness.
Ben Bernanke as Count Dooku
A protege of Greenspan/Yoda, both of these gentlemen switched sides and turned against their previous teachers. Sadly they were both pawns in a greater game and never had as much power as they thought they had. Bonus: they have beards!
John McCain as Qui-Gon Jinn
As mavericks to their respective societies, they would have each gained more power and influence had they just gone with the flow of things and not stood out as odd-balls. They were surprisingly great fighters, but were taken down by someone younger.
Now is the part where I recruit you America. Leave a comment comparing your favorite politician with a Star Wars character. Feel free to switch around what I’ve got already, or add something new!
Obi-Won Kenobi
Admiral Ackbar
C3PO
RD-D2
Mace Windu
Padme
Chewy
Jango Fett
Boba Fett
General Grievous
Darth Maul
 By The Weakonomist |
The Weakonomist is the founder of Weakonomics. Clicking the picture of the puppy will tell you more about him. If you like what you're reading consider subscribing to the blog, following him on Twitter, and checking out the related posts below. Please consider a donation if you really enjoy Weakonomics. Also keep in mind that nothing I say can be construed as financial advice. |
