How to Fake an Interest in Politics

Many Americans feel passionate about discussing politics because it helps define their own future. To others, though, any mention of the Cabinet or Congress draws tears of boredom. If you want to feign knowledge without devoting your life to politics, read on.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Know the key players of the current administration. These can be found on the official White House website (www.whitehouse.gov). Learn the names of the leaders of the two major American political parties, the Democrats and Republicans. Also memorize the names of any leading politicians running for office in an election year.
2. Pick a few key players from the group in Step 1 and learn as much as you can about them. Visit the White House, Senate and Congressional homepages; other background and biographical facts can be found in online encyclopedias.
3. Memorize a few interesting facts, such as George Bush winning the presidency in 2000 while losing the popular vote or John Kennedy withdrawing support at the last minute for the Bay of Pigs operation. If there is a current scandal, learn the names of the leading characters.
4. When talk turns to politics at your next dinner party, follow the conversation and chime in with one of your facts. Speak with great authority. If you're not sure how to pronounce a name of a politician or a country, say it loudly as if it must be right. Drop the names of popular commentators, as in "I remember something Chris Matthews said on 'Hardball'..." even if you've never seen the show. This will give the illusion that you follow government affairs and you can use it as an opening to change the topic.

Tips & Warnings

• If a situation becomes uncomfortable or heated, excuse yourself to use the restroom or freshen your drink. On your way back, strike up a conversation with someone else who doesn’t seem interested in politics.
• Don’t panic. If someone asks you a direct question you can’t answer, smile and say that you don’t feel comfortable discussing your political beliefs.