Boris Johnson, exuding confidence and unfazed by power, was introduced by Liz Truss at the final Tory leadership contest against Jeremy Hunt. Johnson, with his narratives and showmanship, dismissed Brexit fears and EU regulations, while Hunt appeared less charismatic and more technocratic. The article contrasts Johnson's flamboyant, dream-conjuring style with Hunt's serious, policy-focused approach, suggesting Johnson's ability to connect with the national psyche gives him an edge in the leadership race.

The article discusses the challenges faced by professional politicians in the current political climate, exemplified by the 2016 US presidential election. It highlights the appeal of anti-establishment figures like Donald Trump to voters disillusioned with 'politics as usual', despite their lack of traditional qualifications. The piece compares this phenomenon globally, citing Narendra Modi's rise in India and Boris Johnson's role in Brexit. It also touches on the struggles of conventional politicians like Hillary Clinton, who embody professionalism but may be disadvantaged by the public's desire for change. The article suggests that while anti-politician politicians can garner support, they do not always translate this into electoral success, as seen with Jeremy Corbyn in the UK.

Narendra Modi, India's Prime Minister, is an avid user of technology, starting his day with an iPad to check emails and news. Since the late 1990s, he has embraced the Internet to stay informed about Gujarat, his home state. Modi was an early adopter of social media, joining Facebook and Twitter in 2009, and has been influential in introducing new technologies to his staff. Arvind Gupta, head of IT for the BJP, credits Modi with understanding the potential of online campaigning. The 2014 Indian election campaign was noted for its technological sophistication, with the BJP leveraging online presence effectively. Despite uneven Internet access across India, the online campaign was significant, with Modi's team identifying 155 constituencies involved in a 'digital election'.