President Obama’s decision to appear on Funny or Die’s “Between Two Ferns” with Zach Galifianakis was a gutsy and weird decision. Gutsy, because he pushed the envelope, going few presidents have dared go before: an edgy comedy show—in this case, a place where the millennials that are so essential to the success of the Affordable Care Act are spending their time. Weird, because it is a venue that many would view as beneath the dignity of the leader of the free world.
Ferns, Mr. President?
The president’s appearance brings to light the enormous challenge today in practicing effective leadership communications. How do you break through the clutter to get your messages out to right people in the right way using the most appropriate channels?
Healthcare.gov did see a 40 percent spike in traffic after the show. The maneuver also generated a great deal of buzz. (Hey, I am blogging about it, as are many media watchers, politicians and others.) How many of those visitors will actually sign up and will it be enough remains to be seen.
The pundits are debating whether it was the right thing to do. My question is this: Is the only way to get your message out to key audience segments to be outrageous? What do you think?
