From The Hill:
Democrats are losing the battle for voters’ hearts because the party’s message lacks emotional appeal, according to a widely circulated critique of House Democratic communications strategy.
“Our message sounds like an audit report on defense logistics,” wrote Dave Helfert, a former Appropriations spokesman who now works for Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii). “Why are we defending [the State Children’s Health Insurance Program] instead of advocating a ‘Healthy Kids’ plan?”
Yea, a lack of emotional appeal was the first thing I thought of when the SCHIP debate was raging. Rather than simply relying the testimony of a 12 year old, I guess the Democrats should have shown the kid with a Republican ax hanging over his neck. Maybe that would have been emotional enough; then again, maybe not. You really need tears to make a point these days.
Comments 6
Yeah, maybe the emotional Democrats should take a cue from the Montana Republicans on this one. Those guys know how to keep it classy.
Posted 26 Oct 2007 at 1:02 pm ¶Yeah, those Democrats are finally getting it!! It’s not about making people THINK… it’s about making them FEEL… thank you Stephen Colbert!
And Shane, I’m going to have to respectfully disagree with your argument which basically says “well Republicans do it too…” That mindset ain’t gonna get you far, especially if you’re seeking some kind of moral high ground.
Posted 26 Oct 2007 at 1:49 pm ¶Oh no Steve, not a moral high ground. It is all for the sake of snark. The point was actually not to say that it is OK because “well Republicans do it too…”, but was to make the very point that Republicans have no moral high ground here either.
Posted 26 Oct 2007 at 2:09 pm ¶I should add that I believe no one has the high ground, but if the Republicans are going to send out death-porn mailers, I am going to remind them of it every chance I get, much the same as TMM has pointed out the SCHIP kid every few hours.
Posted 26 Oct 2007 at 2:11 pm ¶I’ve got tears in my eyes, that’s funny.
Posted 26 Oct 2007 at 2:13 pm ¶I liked the ax over the head bit.
Posted 27 Oct 2007 at 3:24 pm ¶Post a Comment