Buffoon of the Week Staff
Our “Buffoon of the Year” awards are a tradition for many who enjoy pointing out the absurdities in politics, media, and leadership. Let’s spotlight a special category of Buffoon: The Agenda Gymnast. These individuals often contort their views and actions to their political narrative of choice. This year’s nominees have earned their place in this year’s list of the most laughable—yet simultaneously troubling—figures. If you’re curious about who made the cut and why they became the Agenda Gymnast of the Year, read on!
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Check out our discussion of the “Hot Mess” Buffoon here!)
What Exactly Is an “Agenda Gymnast”?
Our own Gene Berardelli coined the term “Agenda Gymnast” in his Amazon No. 1 best-selling book, Schnooks, Crooks, Liars & Scoundrels. He refers to those politicians who twist, turn, and manipulate their words and actions to achieve a specific political or personal goal regardless of any contradictions or hypocrisy. These individuals often spend their personal credibility by constantly maneuvering to avoid accountability. Often “Agenda Gymnasts” render themselves morally bankrupt. While not always be the most harmful of Buffoons, “they”Agenda Gymnasts” certainly create political instability and public distrust.
As the year has shown, these “Agenda Gymnasts” are everywhere—from politicians and media figures to government officials. Their common thread is their inability (or unwillingness) to tell the truth and take responsibility for their actions.
Why the “Agenda Gymnast” Is a Problem
While the antics of these individuals may seem comical at times, they have a real impact on public trust. When leaders and spokespeople continuously evade responsibility and manipulate facts, they erode the foundation of democratic governance. Agenda Gymnasts are often more concerned with reaching a goal than with how they achieve it. Thus, they create al environment where truth is malleable, accountability is rare, and winning matters more than how they win.
And The Nominees Are…
Karine Jean-Pierre – The Press Secretary Who Got Played. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary, became one of the most notable nominees for this category. Her role within the Biden administration required her to defend the indefensible. Like denying repeatedly that President Biden ever pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who endured a year of criminal troubles. Fast-forward to the end of 2024, and KJP looks like a liar as Biden indeed pardoned his son. Her failure to resign in the wake of the many contradictions only cemented her status as an “Agenda Gymnast.“
Nancy Pelosi – The Master of Political Contortion. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi earned her place in the “Agenda Gymnast” category due to her never-ending attempts to justify her political decisions. Whether it was defending Joe Biden before his disastrous debate, explaining Kamala Harris’ struggles, or justifying her “palace coup” of Biden, Pelosi’s statements often seemed tailored to suit the party’s needs of the moment, even at the expense of truth. Her contradictory actions—such as supporting Biden while simultaneously undermining him—made her a perfect example of the political gymnastics required in today’s partisan landscape.
John Kirby – From Military Leader to Propagandist. Once an admiral in the U.S. Navy, John Kirby became the face of the Biden Administration’s foreign policy narrative. As a spokesperson, Kirby’s role was to spin and deflect, especially when addressing sensitive issues like defense and national security. His inability to provide clear, direct answers about critical situations, particularly in the wake of the apparent disappearance of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, is a textbook example of agenda gymnastics. Critics argue that Kirby, like many others in his position, sold his credibility for the sake of political power.
Fmr. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle – Political Gymnastics Gone Wrong. A particularly egregious example of an “Agenda Gymnast” comes from former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who failed to provide an adequate explanation to the American people for the shocking security lapse during the first assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, PA. Her attempted sidesteps were so blatant, she raised the ire of both Democrats and Republicans alike. Cheatle so exemplified the very essence of agenda gymnastics, that the public’s demand for answers led to her eventual dismissal, with her failures are now etched in history.
Sunny Hostin – A “View” Askew. Sunny Hostin from The View is another notable figure in the “Agenda Gymnast” category. Known for her quick defense of the Democratic Party and her often baffling takes on complex political issues, Hostin demonstrated her “gymnastics” skills when defending unsubstantiated claims througout the year. Like when she accused former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz of federal crimes live on-air, which she subsequently had to retract. Or, when she erroneously claimed that climate change causes eclipses! and attempting to shape narratives that fit her ideological agenda. The absurdity of her explanations and the lack of accountability made her a perfect addition to this year’s list.
The Media’s Role in Agenda Gymnastics
Hostin’s inclusion in the nominees for “Agenda Gymnast” of the year highlights the media’s influence on the exponential rise in political buffoonery of our time. National news networks like MSNBC and CNN, and even Fox News, have repeatedly shown their willingness to bend the truth in favor of a chosen political narratives.
This trend begs the question: When did journalistic integrity give way to spin and manipulation? As the “Agenda Gymnast” category grows, it seems the media has become just as much of a participant in these tactics as the politicians themselves.
So… Who Ya Got?
In 2024, the growing number of “Agenda Gymnasts” demonstrates a disturbing trend in politics and media. Our elected officials and other individuals with power and influence are so willing to contort their words and actions to achieve personal objectives, no matter how much it undermines any trust or credibility they have. Everyone is “Chasing The Dragon”, so to speak: willing to trade a “win” for a piece of their personal capital. This is why we feel that it’s so important to stay vigilant and hold these Buffoons accountable for the damage they cause.
So, who will take the crown as Buffoon of the Year? The title is certainly up for debate, but the actions of the Agenda Gymnasts have shown us that truth, responsibility, and integrity are increasingly rare in today’s political world. Keep an eye on these figures!
