“The Political Will:
Shakespeare as Master Strategist”
by Laura S. Conte

on WSKG Radio’s OFF THE PAGE
Tues., Sept. 5 at 1 & 7pm

          The works – and the words – of William Shakespeare are so ingrained in world culture and in the English language that the influence of the Bard of Avon seems boundless. His darkest tragedies have moments of great comedy, and his comedies are perceptive excursions into human nature. His “history plays” are not necessarily the most accurate account of events from ancient Athens to 16th century England, but they are filled with both great speeches and swordplay. And amidst all the cunning and conflict, Shakespeare displays a keen understanding of politics, in all its forms. We may not speak today as they did in Elizabethan England or engage in conflict with halberds and rapiers, but the political lessons are there to be learned.
          Those lessons can be found in “The Political Will: Shakespeare as Master Strategist.” The book goes step-by-step through a modern political campaign, whose moves and machinations would have been well understood by Shakespeare. A new candidate would do well to “plead what I will be, not what I have been; not my deserts, but what I will deserve.”² A media consultant should approach a 30-second announcement with the recognition that “Where words are scarce they are seldom spent in vain.”³ Then the candidate must proceed with self-confidence: “Our doubts are traitors, and makes us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”⁴
          “The Political Will” was collected by Laura S. Conte, a resident of Vestal who refers to her work as “bardology”. Ms. Conte taught mathematics and served for over 25 years on the Binghamton University Council, including five years as chair. Even more to the point, she knows the political scene well. Her former husband was Broome County Democratic Chairman and Laura has been active in many political campaigns from the local to the national level. All the while, she has collected quotes that relate to lines and scenes in Shakespeare. Her political work allows her to look beyond the business of running for office to the results of winning or losing.
          Laura Conte visits with WSKG’s Bill Jaker on OFF THE PAGE to tell about her passion for politics and Shakespeare. To join in the conversation call during the live 1:00 PM broadcast to 888/359-9754 or post a comment to WSKG.Radio@Gmail.com.

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