Politics: Among the Best Career Investments

 Now, the personality saluted with plenty of noise for the rise rise rise of Kamala Harris is Uber legal head and her brother-in-law Tony West. The gush extends from Vanity Fair to The Wall Street Journal to chatter on social media. His specific platform for influence is that he has the absolute trust of Harris. You go, Tony.

Political strategist James Carville, although never really fading out, has regained the kind of high profile he had in the Bill Clinton administrations. His role is to be the depended-on Greek Chorus for warning progressives not to become too confident of a Harris victory. Because of this hedge position he has a lot of runway post-election, no matter the results.

There are also the obvious hungry-for-a-return-to-center stage players like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama (Michelle is just getting back in the spotlight). If there is a loss, both will be vilified for their negative comments. Those could be the opening paragraph for their obits. Yes, their legacy can be blown up.

Progressive law firms have been in the front lines, with fundraising, actual donations and hands-on participation. For instance at Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp has gotten plenty of attention as a master fundraiser and the partner there Karen Dunn as a debate prepper. At Covington, partner Eric Holder vetted vice presidential candidates. Will all or any of these join the Harris administration? For a cut in compensation they would be transitioning into heady new experiences. 

Then there are the endorsers who have found a new professional identity. They range from Melinda French Gates to Sheryl Sandberg. No matter how things pan out for Harris-Walz they have found a fresh voice. 

The shelf life of an earlier identity has gotten shorter in this era of very-out-there influencers. Melinda Gates had no longer been part of the Bill Gates force field. And as is well-known, when you give up a title as Sandberg did at Meta you kiss away that influence. If Warren Buffett left his job today he would never again be that Warren Buffett.

Sure, a rising tide lifts all boats but even if it doesn't rise, in politics the name recognition for being part of any campaign (or administration) will be sticky. That's exactly why participating in politics has always been a career builder. Long after Richard Nixon imploded ambitious professionals knew to list being part of that administration on their resumes. Inside the beltway experience can have more marketability than the business kind.

Meanwhile, other careers could be on short time. It might be necessary to not renew FTC head Lina Khan's contract. Those at conservative law firms might find themselves locked out prime sources for lobbying. And post-election both liberal and right-of-center media could be laying off because of the expected plunge in page views. With the exception of generative AI, tech will continue to make RIFs standard. 

In my coaching what I am experiencing is an economy on pause. Because of the uncertainty of a national election, many businesses are going through a slowdown in sales. The only thing putting off panic is the hope of a return to normalcy in January 2025.

Life is hard. Business is even more difficult these days. Get answers – and relief. Jane Genova is a results-driven intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator related to careers. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)