shapeshifting

The concept of shapeshifting in politics has emerged from academia in the U.S and the U.K  into mainstream discussions.  The idea is that in a world in which the old political divisions are dissolving into numerous smaller groups, and the media is increasingly narrowcasting, the way to get the votes you need to win power is to work out how to appeal to as many of these groups as possible.  The politician who does this is not starting from a point of firm conviction in terms of principles and policies, but rather from a willingness to do whatever it takes to win support and to be whatever he or she is required to be to be selected as the representative of the group. This can vary from group to group but a clever shapeshifter never lets his right hand know what his left hand is doing.  If he is found out, he simply denies everything. 

 The notion of the shapeshift is popping up as we begin to discuss the election that lies ahead.  Of course Scott Morrison is being nominated as the ultimate shapeshifter.