Life's Persistent Questions

War of the Words

I thoroughly enjoyed Matt Bai's "The framing Wars," an chronicle and critique of the recent shifts in Democratic party's strategy to win back the losing debates in America. We all know inituitively how words can be twisted in conversations and arguement, whether it's with your significant other or reporters from national news agencies, but there are actually people making a living out of "re-wording" issues. Do it once, you will be slapped by your girlfriend, "you are twisting my words!" Repeat that hundreds and thousands of times, you would have built an emergent Moral Majority.

Bai ends his piece on a slightly critical tone, noting that new words, alone without new ideas, may not be sufficient to save the Democrats. I think this was uncalled for. He had earlier in the piece mentioned that the central slogan of the Republicans boils down to:

lower taxes, less government, strong defense and family values

But he then critized the Democrats' new slogan:

prosperity, national security, fairness, opportunity, community and accountability

and its accompanied points as "a wish list of vague notions and familiar policy ideas." Now compare the two. They are both vague, and more importantly, un-offensive. None is more vague than the notorious "family values." The only thing the Republicans has in its favor is the directionalities to most of their targets, "Lower," "Less" and "Strong." Again, it is curious that they are simply "for" family vaules, whatever it is, when in reality it could easily mean to stymie scientific innovations that could save lives of our family and friends.

Fine, the Pelosi talking points were a pair of dirty boxers away from becoming a launchary list (no pun intended for my esteem senator from my beloved home state). So here is my five cents:

1. Defend constitution (and the liberty it ensures)

2. International prestige (through military strength and humanitarian aids)

3. Expand Middle Class prosperity (social mobility and security)

4. Promote eduction and innovation

5. Upheld integrity (in business and governance)

That should cover most of it. Where do a few wedge issues fit: equal rights/affirmative action(1 and 3), abortion(1), stem cell(4), energy(4), tax(3), national security(2), gun rights(1, oh well), health care(3), and any complaint about government/ business/ steroids-in-sports/ Walmart/ Starbucks/ Joe's Crab Shack(5).

Now here is the easy part, find a Democrat that can look convincing while saying it.

posted by hedgehog @ 5:14 PM