Star Wars geeks are filling the universe with their wonky chatter about the just-announced cast of players to be featured in Star Wars: Episode VII. Everybody’s firing up the X-wings for May the Force Be With You Day. But here’s another casting question that might turn heads at the next gathering of the Galactic Senate – could a Jedi Knight be elected president in 2016?
We asked Lori Cox Han, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Political Science and scholar of U.S. politics and the American presidency. She offered some stellar insight.
Professor Lori Cox-Han with her recent book, “Presidents and the American Presidency.”
“Looking ahead to 2016, a Jedi Knight could be quite competitive if he or she were to run for president. Given the current hyper-partisan political environment, the skills and qualities of a Jedi Knight might appeal to voters across the political spectrum. Jedi Knights work to prevent conflict and political instability, as peacekeepers and diplomats during peace time, and they are also known as philosophers and warriors. This is what Americans look for in our presidents; we want leaders who are strong, disciplined, principled and honest.
“A Jedi Knight could possibly run as an independent, since the Jedi commitment to social justice would appeal to liberals, while commitment to The Force might appeal to conservatives who believe in a strict construction and/or original interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. The intense training regimen of a Jedi Knight would certainly be good preparation for the battle of endurance that candidates face when seeking the presidency. Finally, if elected, the lightsaber, as the Jedi weapon of choice, might come in handy in dealing with Congress.”
Dawn Bonker
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