Human Connection as a Political Cudgel

Tane Danger, co-Founder of Danger Boat Productions and The Theater of Public Policy, recently submitted an editorial to the Star Tribune about how an old photo from one of our shows has resurfaced in the news. In 2015, we Kickstarted a tour in Washington DC. We did seven nights of shows while out there and one of them was with two of Minnesota’s congressional representatives, Tim Walz and Tom Emmer. It was a great show that brought together two people from different sides of the aisle to share some moments and laughs together. Recently, a photo from the event has surfaced to try and score some political points. You can read Tane’s article here.

One of my favorite photos — something I’ve kept bookmarked on my phone for years to look at when I’m feeling down or discouraged — recently became part of a national political debate. I have mixed feelings about it.

It’s a photo of Tim Walz and Tom Emmer taken in 2015 when they were both representing Minnesota in Congress. I don’t know who took it, but it’s a relatively low-resolution pic by modern standards. It was taken in a dimly lit theater, making their frames and faces the only things popping out of a dark background. They’re sitting shoulder to shoulder, both wearing dark suits, white shirts and corn-colored ties.

The reason I’ve kept this photo for years is because of what these two men from two different political parties and two very different ideological perspectives are doing in it. They are smiling, laughing, and sharing a moment of joy … together.