Tis the season where politics and politicians are scrutinized like foreign animals newly donated to the local zoo. Words, motives, and companions are dissected, making every action a cause for cheer or dismay. It's similar to the treatment of corporations or otherwise well-known organizations.

There is an advantage for communicators who advise senior executives and study politics. Trends affecting business often first show up in politics. It's a natural bellwether, as politics has always been for upstarts. For those in marketing ...