Spinning Boris

Spinning Boris is a political satire about three American political consultants that were hired to help Boris Yeltsin's re-election campaign in Russia. When Yeltsin's approval ratings were down to single digits, these American consultants found ways on how to maneuver it that made Yeltsin on top of his opponents. They were able to convince the daughter of Yeltsin to adopt the American style of campaigning in order to have the advantage against other candidates. These American consultants were able to spin Boris by emphasizing the positive traits of Yeltsin (although some of these were just pure gimmicks) to appeal to the feelings of the public. And although there were conflicts and suspicious enemies they have encountered, the three American consultants were able to guarantee victory of democracy in Russia through Boris Yeltsin.

What is more intriguing and exciting about this film is how it is based on a true story. I was so amazed by how three political consultants were able to actually turn the tables for the fate of not just for Yeltsin but for Russia as well.It was as if they performed a miracle wherein at first Yeltsin had no chance of winning the elections but on the day of the elections, Yeltsin was proclaimed winner by 3 points. I never knew how political consulting can be very helpful and effective when it comes to election campaigns. Although this industry is quite new, many politicians have undertaken this to increase their advantage of winning. People behind political consulting are deemed to be creative and intelligent when it comes to forming different strategies about campaigns. However, no matter how much contribution it makes to the winning candidate, I still think that a part of political consulting is "dirty". Since consultants are paid by the candidates, they must only project the positive sides of the candidates rather than including the negative sides. They think of any gimmick that would suit the personality of the candidate and that will also appeal to the masses. Hence, whatever negative side that a candidate possess has to be covered up by these consultants through different schemes during the election campaigns. Just like in politics, political consulting also has to be played dirty. Consultants must bring out their best tactics in order for their client to win. And with the majority of the voters here in the Philippine setting, the candidate with the most popularity gets to be elected.