Megyn Kelly described Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt as "fool's gold" during a broadcast on Sky News Australia [1, 2].
The commentary highlights the tension between a candidate's personal brand and their perceived ability to govern in a heavily Democratic city. Kelly questioned whether a persona built on narcissism can be effectively pivoted to serve the interests of voters.
Kelly compared Pratt's public demeanor to that of Donald Trump, noting that Pratt possesses a similar level of confidence. "He’s got swagger, almost like Trump … like the most narcissistic person I’ve ever actually encountered," Kelly said [1].
Despite the criticism, Kelly acknowledged that Pratt has managed to generate significant interest in his campaign. She said, "He’s got the momentum, he’s onto something, he's exciting, I just am a little..." [1].
The discussion focused on the risk that Pratt's style could dominate political discourse at the expense of substantive policy. Kelly said that while the swagger may attract attention, it could ultimately prove detrimental to the political process [1, 2].
Pratt is currently seeking the mayoralty in Los Angeles, California. His approach to the race has drawn comparisons to populist strategies used in other U.S. elections, emphasizing personal charisma, and disruption over traditional political norms [1, 2].
“"He’s got swagger, almost like Trump."”
This critique reflects a broader debate over the 'Trump effect' in local politics, specifically whether the tactics of high-visibility disruption and perceived narcissism can succeed in a deep-blue urban environment like Los Angeles. It suggests a skepticism toward candidates who prioritize personal branding over traditional governance profiles.
