These guidelines for talking about the Iraq war in a manner that associates it with 9/11 were prepared by Republican pollster/strategist Frank Luntz. It’s a pdf file so I can’t cut and paste, but some of these points are quite revealing.
Remember, I’ve always said the Republicans are masterful when it comes to singing from the same songbook and staying “on-message.” That’s thanks to documents like this. I don’t like the Republicans’ messages, which are based on deception, but I admire their organization and their appreciation of coordinated communication. The Democrats need to learn to do the same: idenitfy your key messages, articulate them with compelling and powerful language, and never waiver from them.
The notes were discovered by Atrios — thanks.
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By Jeremy
You need to download the latest version of Acrobat reader – it has a select text function for easy cutting and pasting 🙂
Republicans are the best clients in PR – they actually get the idea about staying on point.
June 21, 2004 @ 6:05 pm | Comment
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By richard
As PR people, we have to acknowledge that the Republicans simply tower over the Dems when it comes to communication. And it doesn’t have to be that way.
Learning how to deal with the media is not rocket science. For example, why on earth did John Kerry even respond to the question about his SUV? It was a set-up, a question that had no business being asked. He should have been coached to instantly quash idiotic querstions designed to needle him and tip him off balance — exactly what the Fox people live for — by stating uncategroically that he is here to discuss issues that matter to American citizens, not trivial crap that is of no consequence to anyone except smartass troublemakers like Sean Hannity. He fell right into their hands. I sure hope he learned from that episode how to take control of the subject at hand and stick to the messages that matter.
June 21, 2004 @ 9:59 pm | Comment
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By Nancy
While mocking Democrats as “poll-takers”, an amazing phone/email network defines the RNC platform and rallies instantaneous support.
I stumbled onto their networking strength because I’m not socially outspoken about politics, and have friends that are dedicated Republicans – the RNC has an astounding machine that nothing can oppose except a strong DNC.
The DNC needs
1) a focused platform
2) a talking-head that pulls heartstrings (that’s what Bush is)
3) a network
On November 3rd, I vowed to help fight the RNC in 2008. No independent can defeat this – I’m suddenly a Democrat.
November 4, 2004 @ 11:08 am | Comment
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By richard
Probelm is, the DNC has never been able to align its messages. The RNC’s discipline in this regard is exemplary.
November 4, 2004 @ 11:34 am | Comment
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By richard
Problem is, the DNC has never been able to align its messages. The RNC’s discipline in this regard is exemplary.
November 4, 2004 @ 11:34 am | Comment