912 — Working as a Lobbyist

Learn how to win political friends and influence powerful people in this episode about lobbyists.
Slow dialog: 1:05
Explanations: 3:36
Fast dialog: 17:37
Cody: You’re not the kind of person I would expect to work as a lobbyist.
Jada: Why not?
Cody: I picture lobbyists as being kind of pushy and corrupt, using underhanded tactics.
Jada: It’s not like that at all, at least not for me. I just use my powers of persuasion to help my clients.
Cody: So what do you do exactly?
Jada: I meet with legislators and try to sway them to support laws that are favorable to the people and companies I represent, and to discourage them from voting for laws that aren’t.
Cody: You’re a spokesperson for your clients, then.
Jada: I’m more than that. I work for clients in the private sector and in corporations, as well as for special interest groups. I advocate for what would benefit my clients in a way that they can’t do themselves directly.
Cody: Isn’t there sometimes a conflict of interest? Let’s say your client this month wants a law passed and your client next month doesn’t. What happens then?
Jada: I’m a gun for hire. I do my best for my client, whichever that client is at that moment.
Cody: I’m glad to hear you say that. I could use the services of a good lobbyist. I’ve been trying to get my wife to agree to buy a new boat...
Jada: Stop right there. In this case there is a conflict of interest. Your wife talked to me last week and wants me to have a little talk with you about that new boat...

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse