A modern prime minister may be able to manage a crisis more effectively from an office than from the scene. A twenty-four-hour news cycle also makes visible attention politically important. Visits and conversations with workers and residents can preserve the public support needed to govern. Without them, a politician risks appearing uncaring and losing authority even while making useful decisions.
Notable Point · 28:35-29:52
Crisis visits and the need to be seen governing
A modern crisis visit illustrates the tension between using a leader's time efficiently and maintaining the public support needed to govern.