How does a political machine defend itself against direct analysis done by an unique talent? There's a plan in place and it's two-fold: discredit the message and it's design; attack the man and his approach.
What I know about the science of language analysis is minimal; I also don't observe politics as pure strategy. Paul Begala attacked the Luntz Healthcare Memo of this month regarding Republican messages. This is after David Axelrod held a closed door meeting on The Hill. If the memo didn't strike a nerve, this would not be happening. Yet, reading Politico.com, Huffingtonpost.com, and other sites daily, I see the way the ball bounces in the DC Beltway. These democratic doofii have little interest in others or the world. This could fit many in either party as they like liking each other. I bet they own lots of mirrors; they write about what they had for lunch on Twitter and Facebook. They think the world disappears when they close their eyes.
No one cares about them and they know it. All are dweebs but think they're cool by being trendy and nasty. Each believes in very little, mocking others. They like the fact that they cheated in college; they're not interested in staying home with their kids on Fridays. They are appalled Sarah Palin didn't abort her Downs child like most would. They cannot remember when they took out the garbage or rode a bus. They think we're all losers and figure getting us to vote is like getting a half-drunk girl to take off her pants. It's all a matter of time, and about a game of manipulation.
As a counselor of kids, I had wonderful support from most colleagues and as I was more experienced, moving up the food chain, I'd get asked to explain how it is I know HOW to coax out the children's issues, and make kids like me. Those types of questions always bugged me until I figured out the whole point. I genuinely like the children, and I feel I gain from the interaction. Kids knew I respected them and I treated them as full beings. In turn, I feel most respected me. I failed when we did not have the mutual respect. Also, there is a point where intellectual analysis is not enough; there's an art to listening and supporting others.
All one has to do to understand why Dr. Luntz taps into a message, is to see him as an artist. Do not see the unassuming character on FOX with a dial; read the memo, the book, the language and appreciate the style to see it is art. But to be a language expert and to write so simply, clearly. To be highly educated and not verbose? That does not compute for the Ivy League Liberals. Most college texts are terribly written, long and stuffy. The books are outdated before you finish the preface.
Any writer will tell you that to write tightly and with depth is almost impossible. (Obviously, it is for me :-). Haiku, poetry, imagery; they are chimerical to me and why I am impressed with Frank's grace. There is another element to the art that I get as a counselor. You must like people to write about them. In his books he says of how he likes language, and I think he likes real people. I don't know that, but it seems so. I know I learn something about how less is more from his work, and I envy the talent. I suspect the current whirl of democrats wishes they could generate such simple depth. Begala literally copies the style in the rebuttal but adds nothing from interpretation. The response is an abstract or summary with criticism, and not on par.
I find Frank Luntz' writing to be like a visual aid with a depth reminiscent of Lincoln's poetic talent. Frank's work has a digestable modernity and clip. The Gettysburg Address is marvelous because it's deep, concise, and timely. It was a visual aid, a snapshot with absolute understanding. It "liked" it's audience. Abraham Lincoln seemed to labor over his responsibility and feel pain for his task. He felt the gravity of it.
Paul Begala may be a wonderful man, I do not know. I can see though that he does not feel any kindred spirit with the audience. We are all just girls with pants half off, awaiting his deposit of greatness. He desperately wants to be cool but is a dweeb. True cool though, it doesn't need flash; it just is. These guys just don't get it, as they sprint in a race looking back at the steady runners catching up. The vibe tells me, the Republicans are onto something because, once again, Frank Luntz' writing works and they do not have his cool.
But then, I never underestimate the GOP as it might keep shooting itself in the foot, stuck in it's collective mouth. No cool can help stupid unwedge a bleeding hoof.
Monday, May 25, 2009
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3 comments:
I left this out of the post. Link to Dr. Luntz' Memo:
http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/frank-luntz-the-language-of-healthcare-20091.pdf
Can be cut and pasted into browser.
We are sure blessed to have Gayle join the PM Team! She is one of the best political writers in Arizona. You can read her blog: SMART GIRL POLITICS. Welcome aboard Gayle!
Welcome Gayle!
I've been a fan of your work and share your passion and sentiment about the current state of the GOP.
You're a very talented writer who isn't afraid to start the discourse and debate on a topic - regardless of the requisite onslaught of snarky comments aimed at you.
I hope you find a little more freedom over here at PM. You're encouraged to write whatever is on your mind.
The PM readers are encouraged and challenged to understand that there are different perspectives on the same topic - dependent upon many personal factors.
Like it or hate it, that's just the way it is in real life and things should be no different in politics.
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