Political theater
The term “political theater” refers to political actions designed to highlight social issues, challenge power or, in a pejorative sense, performative gestures meant to sway public opinion rather than achieve substantive policy. It merges art with activism and creates spectacle over substance.
Given that definition, I find it odd that Travis Corcoran used that term to describe the outcry over his bigoted social media posts when he spoke before the House Legislative Administration committee late last month.
Thirty-eight people spoke that day — 36 of whom spoke out against his abhorrent comments. Only two spoke in favor, one was Corcoran. The story went viral and made national news. I wouldn’t call that “political theater.” I’d call it a mandate from the people.
What was political theater was the tone-deaf decision made by the committee earlier this week, to censure Corcoran. The act of censure fits the definition of “political theater” to a T, for it does absolutely nothing to punish Corcoran, and shows that the committee doesn’t care about justice, only about keeping “free state” Republicans in power.
If you need another example of political theater, watch the video of that executive session and marvel at Rep. Len Turcotte of Barrington, as he invokes the phrase while making himself an embarrassing example of it, twisting himself in knots trying to justify and defend anti-semitism.
The election this November, if we’re allowed to have one, can’t come soon enough.