The Most Bizarre Things About Politics

Why do politicians kiss babies on campaign trails?

It’s not just for the cameras—this odd tradition dates back centuries and was once believed to bring good

luck.

Today, it’s a photo op that signals approachability, but let’s be honest: it’s a little weird.

Imagine if your job required you to kiss random babies to win approval!

Politics is full of these strange rituals that somehow stick around.

Political debates can get wild, but did you know some countries settle disputes with literal duels?

In the past, politicians in places like France and the U.S.

challenged each other to sword fights or pistol duels over insults.

While that’s mostly history, the drama lives on in heated debates and walkouts.

Imagine lawmakers today settling arguments with a sword instead of a speech—now that’s bizarre!

Ever heard of the filibuster?

In the U.S.

Senate, a politician can talk for hours—sometimes reading recipes or phone books—just to delay a vote.

The record is over 24 hours straight!

It’s a legal way to stall, but it’s also a test of endurance and creativity.

Picture someone reading Dr.

Seuss on the Senate floor just to keep a bill from passing.

Politics gets weirdly theatrical sometimes.

Political mascots aren’t just for sports teams.

In Japan, cities and even government agencies have adorable mascots—think giant walking strawberries or cartoon bears—to promote policies

and events.

These characters show up at rallies, hand out flyers, and even have their own social media.

It’s a quirky way to make politics more approachable, but seeing a giant mascot debate policy is definitely

one of the stranger sights in global politics.

Political scandals can get truly bizarre.

In 1950s Britain, a politician faked his own death to escape debt, only to be found alive in

Australia.

From fake résumés to secret double lives, the lengths some go to for power or escape are wild.

These stories aren’t just tabloid fodder—they reveal the unpredictable, sometimes absurd, human side of politics that’s stranger than

any fiction.

Ever notice how politicians sometimes form alliances with their fiercest rivals?

It’s not just strategy—it’s survival.

In Italy, parties that once called each other enemies have joined forces to stay in power.

These unexpected coalitions can lead to wild policy swings and public confusion.

Imagine your favorite sports teams suddenly merging for a season!

Politics makes for some truly strange bedfellows, and the results are often unpredictable.

Let’s not forget the bizarre campaign promises.

From building bridges to nowhere to pledging to ban winter, politicians sometimes make wild promises just to grab

attention.

In Iceland, a comedian once ran for mayor promising free towels at public pools—and won!

These outlandish pledges might seem silly, but they reveal how unpredictable and entertaining politics can be.

Sometimes, the weirdest ideas are the ones that stick with voters.