How a bad picture can be a PR disaster
After John McCain’s monumental pratfall, Archie Bland explains how one picture can undo an entire political career
His tongue is sticking out. He is doubled over like the hunchback of Notre Dame. And, from the photographer’s angle, John McCain appears to be reaching for his opponent’s Democratic ass. The picture, taken at the end of last week’s final presidential debate, records a moment of confusion after McCain was told to head off the stage in a different direction. But the camera is a cruel witness, and it really does look as if the Republican is intent on the Obama rear end. After a serious debate, this hilarious image may easily end up the only moment anyone outside a small elite will remember.
“If you ever stop thinking about how you look, you can get caught out,” says PR guru Mark Borkowski.