How to Write a Political Commentary

Keep up to date and informed with important newspapers.

Political commentaries and op-ed pieces play an essential role in democratic societies. Political commentary and journalism played a major role to the events leading up to the French Revolution as well as helping to shape the path the Revolution took. There were political pundits on the left, the right and the center who all expressed opinions about the best course of political action in revolutionary France. Political commentary helps to keep the public informed and educated but it also has to potential to be used as a vehicle for propaganda and misinformation.

Instructions

1. Stay update on political issues and events. Don't rely on one or two sources for information. Gather your data from a variety of respected sources such as The New York Times, the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, the BBC, major television news networks, NPR radio, and online sources as well. In addition to reading about current events, study political history and political theory.

2. Focus on a particular topic, theme or issue. Effective political commentaries hone in one particular theme. If you are interested in addressing multiple topics or issues, write a different commentary for each issue or topic.

3. Study the issue that you are interested in. Dissect and analyze the problem. If you think a certain political issue or policy is misguided, determine where the errors are and what your solution to the problem would be. You may simply disagree with the issue because of premises that underlie the policy. Republicans and Democrats have different premises about the size, shape and role of government. If this is the case, show how the premises of your political opponent is detrimental to the goals they want to achieve. Or you may agree with the fundamental premises but have concerns with how they are implemented.

4. Outline the argument for the commentary. Decide what your thesis for the argument is. For example, you may think a certain foreign policy is misguided or based on false premises. In addition to the thesis, outline the steps of the argument that persuade the reader to your point of view. A political commentary seeks to convince the reader through the force of a sound argument. Avoid the temptation to engage in ad hominem attacks on the politicians or political leaders whose views you are arguing against.

5. Write a strong opening sentence to grab the reader's attention. The opening sentence sets the mood and tone for the commentary. Begin by stating a serious fact, a controversial remark, or humorous observation that intrigues the reader.

6. Describe the issue or topic in detail. Summarize the essential elements of the problem and present your solution to the problem. Political commentary does not always involve criticism. You may want to praise and agree with a particular political leader's policies and leadership. Finally, there may be elements that you agree with and elements that you think warrant improvement or more careful consideration.

7. Summarize the essential elements of your point of view in the conclusion. End the commentary with a strong sentence that leaves an impression on the reader.

References

• All Right Magazine: Write Right
• CM Live; "What Is Political Commentary;" Khareem Cabey; February 2011