9.2 The Sock Puppetry in Politics

What is Sock Puppetry?

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:

Senator Bob in his sock puppet persona

Examples of Sock Puppetry in Politics

Consequences of Sock Puppetry

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."