Sock puppetry in politics: when a public figure uses a fictional persona to promote their own agenda, while maintaining the illusion that the puppet is separate and independent.
Meet Senator Bob, a master of the craft:
When left unchecked, sock puppetry can lead to the downfall of even the most well-intentioned politicians.
But don't just take our word for it, listen to the wise words of Senator Bob himself:
"I'm not the puppeteer, the people are just really into my sock puppet."