Analyzes the illustration of effective leadership and power in "Street Fight" - a documentary chronicling the 2002 mayoral race in Newark, New Jersey between the 16-year incumbent Sharpe James and newcomer Cory Booker
Introduction
This paper explores the concepts of leadership and power as they are reflected in the 2002
mayoral race in Newark, New Jersey between incumbent Sharpe James and underdog Cory Booker,
ultimately leading to the disheartening conclusion that sheer power often trumps leadership.
Leadership Concepts Reflected by Cory Booker
Articulating a Vision
In the opening minutes of the documentary, viewers see Cory Booker knocking on Newark
residents’ doors to spread news of his campaign and vision to uplift low-income families by investing in
improved education, reducing violence, and increasing affordable housing. Booker continues these
interactions throughout his campaign, highlighting both his commitment to a well-defined vision and his
success in communicating that vision to voters. By regularly speaking to citizens about his dreams for
Newark, Booker exemplifies the first step of effective leadership and empowers voters to understand his
perspective and envision a future with him as mayor.
Defining Reality
Throughout his campaign, Booker highlights Sharpe James’s decades of leadership that has
failed to support those vulnerable to poverty and homelessness. During one of his speeches, Booker
conveys that in the past decade, the city destroyed 10,200 homes while rebuilding only 2,500, leaving
countless residents displaced. He further defines reality by stressing James’s corruption in office, as he
reveals James’s use of taxpayer money for pay raises. By defining these realities of a lower class without
support and a corrupt mayor, Booker highlights Newark’s need for the change that accompanies his
fresh leadership.
Orchestrating Conflict
Throughout the documentary, Booker excels at navigating conflict. When rumors begin
spreading that Booker is a Jewish Republican, he speaks on the radio to confront the absurdity of the
allegation. The radio show hosts indicate that some of Booker’s supporters are Republicans. Instead of
shutting down and leaving the show, Booker remains calm and affirms that he is committed to the
Democratic party regardless of the political affiliations of his voters. Later in the documentary, we see
another instance in which Booker beautifully orchestrates conflict, as the camera pans to a woman
explaining why she does not support Booker. Rather than silencing her, Booker allows her to voice her
opinions and provide her reasonings. By demonstrating this crucial concept in leadership, Booker can
Disclaimer: This analysis is 100% my original work. I have not used Chat GPT or the work of others to develop my response.
– Mia Huebscher
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