I was recently performing at an event. It was a strolling gig, quite a few people including some high profile ones.

I ended up getting some footage of me performing for a nationally famous politician. Got an okay reaction. It would obviously look good to include a screenshot or a short part of the video on my website or social media.

The only concern is the possibility some folks might not like the person I was performing for and stretch that to me for some reason. What's your thoughts? Should I use the video and photos?

I think you answered your own question.

Hey Fedora...Congrats on Your Gig. However...

Politics have no place in your show business...I suggest you disassociate yourself and your show from anything that includes national or reginal politics.

Just a Suggestion...Coming From Hard Learned Experience,

Dr. Dan
Magical Mentalist

I absolutely agree.

Fedora,

You’re right to pause and think this through. Here’s my take for what it's worth: Using the clip can absolutely help your credibility… but it also unavoidably signals association, whether you intend it or not. When you show yourself with a well-known figure, people don’t process it neutrally. Some will see “wow, this guy performs at high-level events.” Others will see “oh, he’s connected to that person.” You don’t control which lens they use.

So, the question isn’t “Is this good or bad?” It’s: What do you want it to do for your business?

If your market is broad (daycares, corporate, general audiences): It’s common sense to be cautious. You’ve worked hard to stay “neutral and bookable.” A single clip can introduce friction where none existed. It won’t lose everyone, but it can quietly cost you bookings you’ll never hear about.

On the other hand, if your goal is authority and higher-end bookings: Then it can be a real asset. The key is framing it as: “Performed for a nationally recognized public figure at a private event.”

If it were me, I would avoid making the politician the “star” regardless of where you use it. If the post becomes about them, you inherit their baggage. If it’s about you doing strong magic in a high-level setting, you keep control. Mixed in with other correct photos so as not to appear one-sided, it certainly could be a help.

I hope that makes sense, and I wouldn’t rush into using it nor would I completely rule it out without first seriously looking for ways to use it to your advantage.


Either way, well done, and it's something worth holding on to. Who knows, soon you may meet the opposite side and with both to show you're in business.

Tom

In 2026, I don’t know many politicians who are held in high regard. Using this clip won’t add any credibility to your show, but certainly carries more risk than I would want to take.

I suggest you run for office

Haha, now there's a solution. Great hearing from you Dave!

Do you think it would get you more gigs? If that particular politician ends up in somebody's weird files then maybe you need to stay away. What is your final goal? More adoration or more pocket money?
You could always wait till the midterms!!!!
My agent booked me into a fundraiser for a certain politician. He was only a few thousand votes from being our new governor but he barely lost. Then a few months later he was involved in a HUGE scandal!!!! I'm glad I didn't use any of the selfies he took with me!

Let me start out by saying I would almost certainly NOT use the footage.

However, look at it like this:

Approximately….

33% of people are militant Democrat
33% of people are militant Republican
33% of people are fairly objective or could care less

So, by supporting one side, or aligning yourself with one side, still gives you 66% support.

I guess it all depends on where you’re at in your career. Take Bruce Springstein for example. I suppose he’s reached a level of success in which he simply does not care what people think. I can find a certain kind of respect in that.

Still, IMHO, the smarter business model is not to alienate 33% of your audience!

Thank you everyone for the input! It's appreciated.

The consensus certainly seems to be that the footage wouldn't do me much good publicly. I'll leave the video private and only share it if ever I need to for some reason.

Thanks again!

You can send it to me!!!!! I'm Independent and think they are all questionable!!!!

If there was a possibility of agreeing more than 100%, on this particular point we absolutely do.

If they are not questionable prior to election, it certainly doesn’t take long afterwards to become so.

I sent you a PM with the link Slim.

I absolutely loved the video!!!!!!