Talking points. Words. We waste a lot of time discussing the importance of the difference between “global warming” and “climate change” rather than finding solutions. The word “process” becomes a reason for debate because the word is seized on literally rather than universal understanding of the meaning of “the people want results and aren’t primarily concerned with how we get them as long as we get them quickly and ethically”.
I heard Obama and also one of the Dems at the Health Summit (I believe he was a doctor and I don’t recall exactly who he was without looking it up but I found him to be very impressive) speak of “consumer protections” alternately with the word “regulations”. Of course the INTENT and the universal understanding is that they are one and the same, but see how much difference a word can make?
Don’t we all just HATE regulations and of course that is the core of the Republican mantra, FREEDOM from REGULATIONS.
But if the Democrats were as crafty as Karl Rove, they would understand the Republicans own the dialog because they understand the power of words. Which today translate into what we refer to as talking points, one or two word messages that enter the public consciousness and imbed the response required.
If the Democrats were smart, they would frame the dialog about healthcare using the words “consumer protection”; then the message sent in two words or less (because it is a documented fact that Americans have an attention span of less than a minute; we live in an age of instant gratification dontcha know, and if we aren’t hooked in the first minute we move on to the next distraction, every marketer knows that) then the average citizen could know he was voting FOR his best interests rather than against them.
You bet the Republicans are smart. I wish the Democrats were a little more organized. Is there no Left Wing Counterpart for Karl Rove or is that an oxymoron?
Words have power. Particularly since we currently live in an age where much communication is done by text. Hello?
Something to think about. Communication is the key.
