When Conservatives Start Crying

Glenn Beck has made a routine of crying on his program. And last week, an article in the New York Times described GOP senatorial candidate J.D. Hayworth tearing up while discussing a movie about football. FF contributors N. Machiavelli and Tim Mak weigh in on the new conservative trend: public weeping.

Glenn Beck has made a routine of crying on his program.  He has even been caught using Vicks to bring out tears during a photoshoot.  And last week, an article in the New York Times described GOP senatorial candidate J.D. Hayworth tearing up while discussing a movie about football. FF contributors N. Machiavelli and Tim Mak weigh in on the new conservative trend: public weeping.   Mak argues that the tears are just an attempt by Beck to manipulate his audience, and Machiavelli points out that Americans have never trusted leaders who appear too emotional.

N. Machiavelli, American Politics: Hysterics Need Not Apply

The public may find the emotional outbursts of Glenn Beck or J.D. Hayworth entertaining, but typically Americans do not entrust leadership to men or women who appear too emotional.

Tim Mak, Glenn Beck's Emotional Blackmail

Glenn Beck and J.D. Hayworth’s style of conservative rhetoric blends well with the emotional response generated by their sobbing.