The Democratic Message in 2004:...MY NEW ARTICLE IS UP NOW

[Gloria]

http://www.buzzflash.com/mediawatch/03/09/11_special.html


September 11, 2003

The Democratic Message in 2004: Looking Back to Find the Future

A MEDIA WATCH SPECIAL REPORT
by Gloria R. Lalumia

On August 11, 2003, Former Texas Governor Ann Richards paid a visit to Larry King; a caller asked the following question:

CALLER: We all know that Democratic candidates are reduced to basically soundbytes and ridicule in the media. How can Democrats force attention back to the fact that whether it's the problems with the economy, national security, utility and industrial deregulation are the products of failed regressive Republican Party policies . . .

RICHARDS: Once our nominee is chosen, the opportunity for getting the message out there is going to be much easier than it is now. Because there's so many candidates it just kind of becomes a clutter. But once that nominee is chosen the biggest problem the Democrats are going to have is choosing a single message and not being all over the place. Because of the Bush record on the economy, on medical care, on education, we have such a wealth of stuff that we can use, that I'm afraid that we're going to get too splayed out and there isn't going to be a concise message. Do you understand?

KING: You would make it a one-issue campaign?

RICHARDS: Well, no, you don't do that, but you try to select an issue so that it can encompass more than one or two things and consistently drive that message home.



* * *

Here's my take on the situation, Ann.

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[rwork]

1. Congradulations Gloria.

Well done.

[DJcairo]

2. Too bad good ol' Ann Richards lost to George W.

[Gloria]

3. This direct link has all the graphics......from Dean & Clinton campaigns

http://www.zianet.com/insightanalytical/DemMessage91103.htm

[Kolesar]

4. That was the best essay about "Message" I have read this year

You have a nice writing style. More correctly, that is the only essay I have read about a message, but don't feel slighted. I think message development is the most important function Democrats have to work on in the next few months. We need a message before we can start working on tactics and activities to get that message to the American voters.

We should start a thread on message development sometime. A good environmentalist message (that a friend of mine suggested) is protecting your health. The White House's abysmal record on water and air pollution issues makes them a ripe target for anyone who wishes to live into their old age.

[blm]

5. I never worried about the Dem message

because I feel it will come through loud and clear in 2004 up against Bush's lies and failures and lack of real character.

I am looking forward to the field narrowing down, though.

Great essay Gloria....as usual.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

6. Nice work.

I think CMB is going to have a position in the next administration, btw.

[Gloria]

7. Kick...because I can! And I'm really

concerned about this message thing!!!