Nowadays, public office (elective and otherwise) now goes with the drive for popularity! The case of politicians are so painful that this popularity gives them more joy than the accomplishment of their duty as public servants.
They even drag the media with celebrities.
Politicians have forgotten there place as public servants. Politicians are not celebrities.
One of the clear reasons some politicians behave this way is because many citizens keep encouraging them. They give people peanuts in the name of salaries, palliatives or handouts and some people will still defend them no matter how badly they perform. The moment anyone asks questions or demands accountability, their supporters quickly come out with insults and intimidation instead of addressing the real issues. Politicians are supposed to be public servants, not celebrities. Their job is to serve the people and be accountable for their actions. Unfortunately, many have forgotten that because some citizens treat them like untouchable superstars instead of elected officials.