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Lessig for Congress?

February 18th, 2008 · 2 Comments

I take a look at the movement to draft the academic rock-star at Ars Technica, including the first statement I’ve seen in any of these stories from Lessig himself, who is at least giving the prospect serious consideration.

Tags: Self Promotion


       

 

2 responses so far ↓

  • 1 CK // Feb 19, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    Lessig would doubtless make a formidable opponent, however.

    I can’t emphasize enough how violently I disagree with this statement.

    The reasons that make you imagine that Lessig would be a strong candidate–debate skills, history of arguing in front of Supreme Court, author, geek celebrity, popular in the faculty lounge–are worth less than nothing. Okay, that’s hyperbole, but not by much.

    In order to be a good candidate, Lessig would need high name recognition, a long history of community service (including favors to politically powerful allies), and a good deal of money. I suppose he could raise the money.

    The types of accomplishments and accolades you list in the article mean zilch for the median voter. Indeed, real people (the kind with double-digit IQs) view college professors with some mixture of distrust and contempt.

    In short, I would bet any amount of money against Lessig being elected on April 8th, should he decide to run.

    If you want me to take your cash, you have my phone number.

  • 2 southpaw // Feb 19, 2008 at 10:12 pm

    Lessig appears to be moving toward jumping in.

    I have decided I want to give as much energy as I can to the Change Congress movement. I will decide in the next week or so whether it makes sense to advance that movement by running for Congress.

    In light of the previous comment, it’s worth pointing out that CA-12 has an absolutely huge population of geeks–from Google employees to Stanford professors to NASA (Ames) researchers. If any district can be won on intellectual prowess and geek appeal, it’s that district. I don’t know if Lessig can win this thing with only a little over a month do get his act together, but I wouldn’t say it’s out of the question.