NBC’s Parks and Recreation may have wrapped up its final season more than five years ago, but latecomers and long-time fans should not be deterred from (re)visiting Pawnee, Indiana in 2020. Having aired its series finale well before the 2016 US presidential election, Parks and Rec missed out on real-world events that would surely cause Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) to faint. And yet, after watching the series for the first time earlier this year, I found the show remarkably relevant given our country’s current political climate. Here are a few lessons that Parks and Rec taught or reminded me about the politics of 2020.
7. Joe Biden Can Appear When You Least Expect Him
Leslie Knope’s crush on Vice President Joe Biden was one of the show’s funniest running jokes. Yet I found myself totally surprised when Biden appeared not once but twice on the show during his time in office. Perhaps that’s why, after lackluster performances in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada, I was not shocked to see Joe Biden come to life and win the Democratic nomination for President. When many people thought he was done for, Biden’s tremendous performance in South Carolina proved he can show up at any moment.
6. Never Underestimate Idiots with Money and Name-Recognition
Bobby Newport (Paul Rudd) was uniquely unqualified to run for the City Council of Pawnee. An idiot with little interest or understanding of the issues, Bobby nearly won the election due to his family’s wealth and notoriety as the owners of Sweetums.
For a 2020 parallel, see our current president.
5. Racist, Corrupt, Sexual Harassing Politicians Are Difficult to Remove from Power
Once Leslie became a city councilmember, she discovered not everyone in local government official shared her ideals and morals. Whenever she tried to introduce new legislation to help the people of Pawnee, she had to contend with Councilman Dexhart, Councilman Jamm, and Councilman Milton. Though the three men were regularly engaged in sexual misconduct, corruption, and racist remarks, they remained in power because of their dirty politics and status as incumbents.
For a 2020 parallel, see our current president.
4. Culture Wars and Grievance Politics Are Annoyingly Effective
Even before her time as elected official, Leslie often sparred with Marcia Langman (Darlene Hunt), an activist who often espouses misogynistic and homophobic views to protect the city’s conservative values. As the leader of the Society for Family Stability Foundation, Marcia Langman attacked Leslie for officiating a same-sex marriage for two male penguins and for teaching safe sex education to senior citizens. By often going on television, the activist sought to use public opinion as a weapon against perceived indecency.
As we get closer to November, it’s become clear that at least one politician believes that he can use grievance politics and culture wars to keep himself in power. This politician appears hellbent on polarizing the country in order to energize his base. Marcia Langman would be proud.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYsXs9bDyuU
3. Even Successful Campaigns Will Stumble at Times
After Leslie faced an ethics trial for her relationship with Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott), she needed to re-introduce herself to Pawnee and establish that she still belonged on the city council. During her re-launch campaign rally, Leslie and her entire time literally stumbled their way across an ice rink and repeatedly fell down as the words “get on your feet” blared through the auditorium. Despite this embarrassing moment, Leslie went on to win her election.
Throughout the campaign for the Democratic nomination for President, Joe Biden tripped over his words, looked weak in debates, and fell victim to his own gaffes. And yet, Joe Biden overcame these self-inflicted wounds to win the nomination. His nomination campaign may not have been pretty, but he found a way to “get up and make it happen,” as the song goes.
2. Even If You Don’t Win, You Can Still Make A Difference
Following the recall vote that removed her from office, Leslie was understandably distraught. Unable to accept what happened, she even considered moving to a different district so she could challenge Councilman Dexhart. After being persuaded not to run again, however, Leslie committed herself to improving Pawnee in whatever way she can. She oversaw the merger of Pawnee and Eagleton, became the Midwest Regional Parks Director, and was later elected Governor of Indiana. So while Leslie lost her seat on the city council, she never stopped fighting to make Pawnee a better place.
Following the primary battle for the Democratic nomination, many people are justifiably frustrated that their preferred candidate did not win. But despite the results of the primary, the candidates continue to demonstrate passion and commitment to their country. Though they did not succeed, these politicians have promised to keep fighting for their constituents and their beliefs. Leslie Knope would surely approve.
1. Friendships Across Political Lines Are Possible
Throughout the series, Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) clash because of their philosophical differences. While Leslie is passionate about working for the government, Ron is a devout libertarian and frequently expresses his belief that the size of the government should be dramatically reduced. As Leslie attempts to make Pawnee’s government as effective and efficient as possible, Ron often giggles when given the chance to obstruct government progress and make his department as ineffectual as he can.
Despite these dramatic differences, Leslie and Ron are dear friends. Leslie even asks Ron to walk her down the aisle in place of her father during her wedding. As much as they vehemently disagree politically, they truly care about one another and look out for each other.
If there is one enduring political message from Parks and Rec, it is this: friendships across political lines are possible as long as they are built on respect. These relationships may be challenging and test us, but caring for someone on the other side of the aisle is a worthwhile and fruitful endeavor. Friendship can bridge the political divide.
