In 1972, US presidential candidate Ed Muskie broke down in tears during a speech. Or so the press reported. His tears, it turned out, were melted snowflakes – but the damage to his reputation was done. No one wanted a crybaby as president.
But fast-forward 30 years, and it seems the tactical sniffle is a more respected campaign tool. First it was Herman Cain. Then Rick Santorum. Minutes later: Newt Gingrich. By the end of last week's religious debate between members of the Republican right, the three Republicans had all broken down all in tears. "It was," said debate moderator Frank Luntz, "like hosting a cod-psychology chat show."
It was also the latest in a series of blubbing politicians. In recent years, Tony Blair, Hillary Clinton, congressman Anthony Weiner, and Brazilian president Lula have all got weepy. Republican John Boehner, speaker of the house of representatives, also regularly bawls in public – and even the Iron Lady herself, Margaret Thatcher, couldn't stop the odd tear plopping out. But what prompted their sadness? Take our test to find out:
John Boehner
a He cannot abide Obama's stimulus deal.
b He is embarrassed at his connections to the tobacco lobby.
c He has just been elected speaker.
Hillary Clinton
a She's just lost her presidential campaign.
b She's chopping onions.
c She's been asked about how she copes with the rigour of campaigning.
Herman Cain
a He's remembering being diagnosed with cancer.
b He's just been accused of sexual harassment, allegations he denies.
c He's eating spicy pepperoni.
Margaret Thatcher
a Her contact lens is loose.
b Geoffrey Howe has just said something very nasty indeed.
c She has resigned as prime minister.
Lula da Silva
a He is overwhelmed by his own achievements.
b The favelas are rioting.
c Brazil are out of the World Cup.
Rick Santorum
b His daughter has a rare genetic disease.
B He has discovered creationism may not be true.
c He's seen the illegal immigrant figures.
Answers: Cain a; Clinton c; Thatcher c; Santorum a; Lula a; Boehner c
