كيف يحسن السياسيون صورتهم؟

Hello and welcome to BBC Xtra English!

Today John and Sam talk about the importance of appearing strong to many leaders around the world.

The Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin is known to carry out some interesting publicity stunts that show people how healthy and strong he is.

Over the past few years, he has flown a fighter jet, gone fishing in a Siberian river stripped down to his waist, and, as many Russians know, Vladimir Putin loves martial arts too!

Prime Minister Putin's latest public engagement was a four and a half hour dive in a mini submarine, to the bottom of the deepest lake in the world; Lake Baikal.

Lake Baikal is a 1400 metre deep lake in Siberia and Putin participated in the dive to endorse the work of Russian scientists and experts.

When he returned, Putin told reporters that he had a wonderful time, praising the scientists who made the event a success.

But not everyone likes these kinds of appearances and publicity stunts.

Some people think that they are too macho and wish that leaders like Putin could do other things like sit with older people or cook with their wives.

They seem 'softer' things to do, but could also make leaders a lot more popular and attract a wider group of people.

What do you think of politicians' publicity stunts? Write to us in English!
ما رأيك في الأساليب التي يلجأ إليها السياسيون لزيادة شعبيتهم؟ اكتب لنا بالإنجليزية

appearing
يظهر
publicity stunts
اعمال دعائية
fighter jet
طائرة مقاتلة
gone fishing
ذهب لصيد السمك
participated
شارك
endorse
يؤيد
praising
يثني/يشيد
success
نجاح
appearances
ظهوره
macho
استعراض الفحولة
wider group
مجموعة أوسع

Politicians' publicity stunts done by some of them is kind of macho show and reflect their attitude. It is sometimes a kind of strenght show to the poeple they govern which might be kind of putting fear among the people.
Othman, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

i think these " publicity stunts "have given great benefits for some politicians ..not the all.. for example pm " vladimir putin " is avery strong man and he is respected everywhere.. not only for his political smartness .. but also many people really considered him as the strongest pm either physically or mentally
Haitham Badarin, Palestine

I think, prime minister Vladimir Putin is affected by two factors : 1- his former work as Intelligence agent during CCCP period 2- love and practice Judo sport , the first one make him pay attention and endorse many things in clever way like publicity stunts and unusual works he did (flying in fighter - swimming with whales - diving in submarine ) , while second factor let him prefer macho appearance in all his displays.
In our countries , the politicians concentrate on one thing: large publicity and good nation, they have, so imagine their appearances
Amjad Zino, Jeddah