Humans have always been intrigued by the eccentric—those who defy convention and captivate us with their unpredictability. From ancient times to modern politics, we’re drawn to the unpredictable, captivated by the sense of novelty and risk that comes with it. Like watching a snake charmer, we find ourselves mesmerized by the performance, fascinated by the delicate balance between control and chaos. Elections, in particular, have a way of bringing such figures into the spotlight.
It seems like every day delivers another absurd headline from a politician, whether it involves a decapitated whale or a painfully awkward interaction at a donut shop. But nothing will compete with the Argentine presidential election of 2023. The ballot featured former Economy Minister Sergio Massa, known for his shifting political loyalties, and far-right economist and TV personality Javier Milei. The latter would continue to run the most peculiar and intriguing campaign that I have seen in politics. Milei was fresh, famous, had a solid grasp of economic theory, and, perhaps most importantly, he was unforgettable. The one thing his supporters and critics could agree on was calling him "crazy." But what exactly earned him this label?
Milei’s childhood was difficult, but his dog Conan was his constant companion, forging an unbreakable bond in the face of hardship. After Conan's death, Milei fell into a deep depression. Determined to maintain their connection, he hired a medium to communicate with Conan in the afterlife. Over time, he claimed to have developed the ability to speak with Conan and later with God, who instructed him to run for president and save Argentina from economic collapse. [1] Milei even cloned Conan, referring to the clones as his children and consulting them on politics, economics, and foreign policy. [2]
Spoiler: Milei won the election—despite his clone-dog cabinet, chainsaw-wielding political appearances, emotional outbursts, and a hairstyle that could only be described as Wolverine-meets-Tolkien. If you are looking for a tutorial on the look, Milei claims he doesn’t comb his hair because the “invisible hand of the market does it for him.” [3]
So, how did he pull it off? Interestingly, his eccentricity worked in his favor. As an outsider to the political elite (or the "caste," as he calls it [4]), Milei’s distance from the professional political class became his greatest asset. Like a snake, he is unpredictable, wild, and potentially dangerous. And yet, the Argentine people believe they could play the role of the charmer, thinking that by casting their votes, they could control him.
The risk was clear. Milei’s critics warned that his untested ideas could plunge the nation into chaos, while supporters acknowledged the gamble they were taking. Milei himself even said that the economy of Argentina would get worse under his presidency before it got better. [5] What if, despite the risks, Milei could fix what so many before him had failed to? That “what if” captivated a nation, propelling him to power despite the unorthodox—and often unsettling—nature of his campaign.
It is impossible to read about Milei without thinking of a figure closer to home—Donald Trump. His rise to power in 2016 was fueled by a similar defiance of the political norm. Like Milei, Trump thrived on being the outsider, a figure who rejected the traditional political mold and captivated a nation hungry for something new. His eccentricity and larger-than-life persona, which might have derailed a more conventional candidate, became his greatest strength. Voters saw a force of disruption in him, someone who promised to shake up a political system that many believed had grown stagnant. The spectacle of his campaign—the bold rhetoric, the unexpected moves—was hypnotizing, drawing supporters who believed he could deliver the change that career politicians had not.
Trump’s allure is undeniable, but so is the risk. His unpredictability has led to inconsistent policies that can destabilize both domestic and international relations. His disregard for traditional alliances has strained partnerships with key allies, while his trade wars and isolationist stance have introduced economic volatility. Additionally, his handling of crises, from public health to national security, has raised concerns about his ability to manage unforeseen challenges. The long-term consequences of his governance—whether through deregulation or politicizing key institutions—could leave lasting instability in the country’s political and economic systems.
As the 2024 election approaches, voters are again faced with the question: is this character the kind of leader they want for this country? Will we, as voters, attempt to play the role of the charmer once more? We might believe we can tame the chaos, but the danger lurking beneath overshadows any fleeting gains.
The performance may be captivating, but when the music stops, who will truly hold the power—the charmer or the snake? More importantly, will we be prepared to face the consequences once the show is over?
