GLP cantonal councilor Benno Scherrer (57) wants to make the leap to the governing council of Zurich in 2023. A video should help. Scherrer shared it on Instagram on Sunday evening. Social media videos are no longer new in political campaigns.
What is unusual, however, is that Scherrer does not advertise a political issue or his political program in the video. Instead, the video shows him in everyday situations: doing household chores, going to the movies, eating, and so on.
Politics, politics or politics
However, without exception, the graduate high school teacher lectures on political topics. The listeners seem to tolerate this rather than applaud it.
For example, he is sitting on the couch with an acquaintance. Football is going well, but Scherrer hardly cares. He tries to get his friend excited about the European issue – with moderate success.
Please choose Benno. I can not anymore!”
At the next table, Scherrer’s partner and a friend are drinking white wine. The latter asks, somewhat stunned: “Tell me. Is he always like this?” The answer: “Yes, always.”
The same goes for the washroom or for a fondue with friends. At the end, Scherrer’s partner speaks into the camera, pleading, “Please choose Benno – I can’t do it anymore!”
Model from USA
The video is not meant to be taken seriously. As Scherrer says, it is based on a US model. Republican Gerald Daugherty promoted his candidacy for Travis County Commissioner in 2016 with an almost identical video.
The idea for the video came from the Farner agency, which is responsible for Scherrer’s governing council campaign. But according to Scherrer, he was there right away.
Video suits him well
He likes the idea of a campaign with a wink. “I have been very passionate about cantonal politics for 18 years, which has sometimes been challenging for my environment,” says Scherrer. Therefore, the video suits him well.
His partner thought so too. She was immediately very open, says Scherrer. His friends probably kind of recognized him in the script. Because the supporting roles are also cast from the circle of acquaintances.
Responses are positive
The reactions are always positive. While Blick is on the phone with Scherrer, someone from the Zurich canton council just walks past Scherrer and gives a thumbs up, Scherrer says, “My shoulder almost hurts from tapping the shoulder.”
So the humor resonates. Whether the video is also politically convincing will become clear early next year. On February 12, the people of Zurich will go to the polls to elect their new government.