The three P's

[H2O Man]

In Taylor Branch's book, "The Clinton Tapes," President Clinton presents some important information on election contests. This was in the context of the 2000 presidential contest. (See chapter 38, pages616-7)

Republican "think tanks" rely upon the same basic methods that any corporation uses to sell a product to the public. In elections, they decided to avoid any meaningful discussion or debate of serious issues. Instead, they focus on "the three P's": personality, prosperity, and partisanship.

Personality is obvious. A shallow person, such as Sarah Pallin, appeals to a segment of the public, not based on her insight or beliefs, but because of her looks and delivery. Prosperity is an easily manipulated issue, because one can play upon the anxieties and fears of a population, and capitalize on their ignorance. Partisanship is likewise easily manipulated: pretend that you represent people versus corporations, and point out the ugly side of the opposition party.

This simple formula, which a very close friend of the Bush family explained to President Clinton, can be applied to what has taken place in every important election since 2000. Win two of the three P's, and you are in office.

[lonestarnot]

1. Shock and awers find the take down easy these days.

[H2O Man]

12. Yep.

The shallowness of comprehension in the public would appear to be a tv screen-induced hypnotic state.

[lame54]

2. you forget pettiness

[H2O Man]

5. And Poland!

(grin)

[mmonk]

3. Insightful and useful.

Recommended.

[H2O Man]

13. Thanks.

Sometimes, there is benefit in understanding some of the relatively simple formulas that are used in the world of politics. A number of times, for example, I have posted information on the "three groups" that make up the core approach to any election. That little formula helped me to not only understand some of the odd business I see in campaigns, but more, became an important factor in my ability to work on local campaigns.

[LeftinOH]

4. "Personality"= good looking, telegenic, nice teeth, good hair.

That's the modern definition of "personality" in politics. If Scott Brown looked like Dennis Hastert- he probably wouldn't have won.

[H2O Man]

14. Right.

It's anti-personality. Mitt Romney's hair gets more media attention than serious issues.

[bridgit]

6. Maybe people will pay attention, if they hear it from you...

But this is a core import of mine that people routinely poo-poo to their own detriment, simply, in too many instances it would seem, because it is coming from me - the power; the ultimate power of product positioning. But we don't have to go all the way to a republican 'think tank' when the retinal & circulatory scans of Frank Luntz will suffice. They are the sort of manipulations that bring forward campaign slogans such as:

*We Like Trucks*

People can be as wonky as they think they need to be: co-payer, single payer, 1.2, 3.4 whatever, universal coverage, "Yeah! We're gonna be just like France come daybreak! Just flip the switch already!", etc, all of that may well matter-not 7 days before an election already taken for granted - but when, as a DUer posted back to me some months back now, the grander misconception of HCR was seen in the demanding of utterly & complete female reproductive rights to include the elective removal *of* female reproductive organs because it has been determined that children are not in their personal cards, or as a form of birth control: believe me!

The opposition is probing for chinks in the armor in ways we find too boring, too beneath us, too base too anti-intellectual than we feel ourselves able to engage with. When they find a little gaffe they work it, like a rib bone. They work it till they are able to slip a fingernail underneath it, then the tip of a fingertip, then the pad of a finger, then two then three; before you can wonder just what has happened there are hands under there tearing away your chain mace and there he stands - the naked still noble in some minds yet for all practical purposes: defenseless knight, and so...

"partisanship", with the greater American citizenry beyond is disrupted as an ill-ripple has been sent forth instead

"prosperity", as a reciprocal matter, is disrupted if only because prosperity as a two-way street is so easily up-ended as it is, and denied many others for making far less strident demands on society

"personality", sadly, being so malleable a commodity: may not even exist, on either or both sides; in the quantities required to answer such slogans as:

*We Like Trucks*

The think tank dudes are watching. They are never not watching. They know that in baseball, with three strikes, you haven't merely lost an election - You're Out!! So...what shall it be?

*We Dems Oh Yeah We Know What's Going On We Like Trucks Too Really Really Allot!!!!!!*

I am in no position whatsoever - not even for any compensation agreed to - to recommend such a configuration of words as either a campaign slogan or means to convey intent concisely in that there are simply too many words. And words give Americans, even DUer's, ice cream headaches like there is no tomorrow no wait!!

There is a tomorrow, it's already here today

[H2O Man]

9. Well said.

Frequently, on DU, there is evidence that people are more influenced by emotion, than able to focus on rational thought. And, sadly, that reality -- and surely in a context larger than this forum -- keeps people handcuffed.

I'm not confident that my posting this OP makes much of any difference.

[bridgit]

10. I am rather quite confident that your postings bring a much needed sense of balance, and so...

For you, and for me, and for others who may care similarly:

If the rain comes they run and hide their heads.
They might as well be dead.
If the rain comes, if the rain comes.

When the sun shines they slip into the shade
(When the sun shines down.)
And drink their lemonade.
(When the sun shines down.)
When the sun shines, when the sun shines.

Rain, I don't mind.
Shine, the weather's fine.

I can show you that when it starts to rain,
(When the sun shines down.)
Everything's the same.
(When the sun shines down.)
I can show you, I can show you.

Rain, I don't mind.
Shine, the weather's fine.

Can you hear me, that when it rains and shines,
(When the sun shines down.)
It's just a state of mind?
(When the sun shines down.)
Can you hear me, can you hear me?

sdaeh rieht edih dna nur yeht semoc niar eht fI.
(Rain)
naiR.
(Rain)
enihsnuS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm9xqHjP0fw&feature=related

[H2O Man]

11. It strikes me as curious

that this OP/thread has such a small response. Not because I wrote it (though I'd like to think that my postings are of interest!). Rather, that there seems to be a lack of connections between what is happening, and how people interpret and respond to it.

John's song ranks high among my favorites. I also have been playing George's "Within You, Without You" in my mind recently.

[Karenina]

20. Genau das! Americans seem challenged when it comes to

CONNECTING THE DOTS. Particularly the factual dots. Things backed up by CLEARLY OBSERVABLE,DOCUMENTED events.
Naomi Klein was roundly scolded by some for "politicizing" her Shock Doctrine Theory even AFTER the Heritage Foundation pointed out to its readers the "opportunities" the disaster in Haiti presented. It took them 13 days after Katrina but only 24 hours after Port-au-Prince. They've clearly sped up their processes. :evilgrin:

[H2O Man]

24. The majority

of the public prefers bright, flashing dots, that both entertains them and has a novocaine-like effect that prevents the pain of the reality of their lives from intruding on their conscious minds.

[DemReadingDU]

36. I guess I'm not of that majority, lol

For the past couple years, I've been trying to see a bigger picture, which isn't so much political, but financial, that will come to affect everyone one of us, and it doesn't matter whether we registered as Democrats, Republicans, Independents, or other.

The thing is that people have such short attention spans and blame whoever is in office. They don't realize that we all have been living in a financial Ponzi world for about 50 years. So when the Ponzi implodes, those currently elected politicians will be blamed, not realizing that politicians for the past 50 years should share the blame along with the bankers, lobbyists, corporations, and the regulating agencies.

Our world has run amok. People would be wiser to put aside being of a political party, and unite to prosecute those who broke the rules in all parties.

[Hekate]

27. I just saw it. Interesting and informative as always...

... and level-headed, for which you have my thanks.

Hekate

[kgnu_fan]

17. and tall, married....

[H2O Man]

19. Tall is important.

Dad was much taller -- hence, wiser -- when we were children. And Father Knows Best.

[kgnu_fan]

28. American public really does act juvenile ... forever looking for a dad

or super hero story line...So childish and I do not understand where this need comes from.

We need to act as an adult, take care of our own people.

[Karenina]

33. He offerred his daughter up as though she were on an auction block!

He HUMILIATED her and KNEW he was doing so!

At this point, I do believe that the natural earthquake and the man-made ones are the pop quizzes that will determine homo sapiens' future. Mother Earth can and will shake us off like fleas...

[spanone]

7. sad commentary on our current political state....very sad

[H2O Man]

16. Yes, it is.

It's sad that the media assists them in this. It's pathetic that the public is swayed by it.

[HughMoran]

8. It sucks because Republicans only care about "selling" themselves - they don't worry about policy

...as Republican policy is to:

1) do nothing (status quo) and

2) prevent the Democrats from doing anything.

Dear God do I hate Republicans.

[H2O Man]

18. The idea that

people like Bush could claim to be a "uniter, not a divider," or that in 2000 Cheney could say he refused to participate in the ugliness of Washington, DC, stands out. By 2008, most people knew that this was a lie. But they continue to invest in the same lie in 2010.

[BeHereNow]

15. And if those three fail...

call in the U.S. military to enforce submission.

At least I think that is what will happen if the
American people ever figure out the manipulation.

Not holding my breath on that one.

BHN

[H2O Man]

21. The private units

would play a role. Of course, they are funded by our tax dollars.

[BeHereNow]

23. A fact no one ever seems to mention or account the cost of...

Does anyone (besides the people behind closed doors who authorize the cost)
really know how much has been spent to date on the private, above the law, forces?
BHN

[H2O Man]

26. There is a new edition

(fully revised and updated) of Jeremy Scahill's powerful book, "Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army," that probably comes the closest to documenting those costs. It is an uncomfortable book to read.

[BeHereNow]

31. I met him a few years back after one of his talks- great guy.

He had ducked into a courtyard to have a cigg- so had I.
We chatted for about twenty minutes and he signed all three
copies of his book I had purchased as gifts.

I think there is a high probability that he would register
on the Asperger spectrum which is probably why he is SO good at
what he does and why he can deliver SO much information in
such a focused way, in such a short time. Seriously, talking with him
was akin to talking to a walking encyclopedia.
Very nice young man and smart as a whip.

He is well aware that the two-party system is a sham at this point
and the real people running the show are trans national corporatist
whose names are never even mentioned.
He was impressed that I knew some of those names and the history
and I'll admit that I was deeply flattered by his praise.
:blush:
BHN

[H2O Man]

34. I have the

utmost respect for him. And I'm certainly not surprised that he would find you to be refreshing, in that you knew about, and understood, exactly what he has been talking about.

It's funny: last night, I attended a high school basketball game. Actually, two games, as my daughter is on JV. Before the Varsity game, I spoke with a couple of the players. At the last game, one of our players had shut down the other team's star. Now, this is small-town sports, but that star player's father and uncle were professional athletes. This girl gets a lot more attention, because of their connections. Scouts from large colleges were at the first game, and the star had failed the test.

I told our players that not only the star, but the rest of her despised our girl who shut her down. I had heard some stories about how angry they were. "Hate" is not too strong a word. Now, in the first game, the star had pulled hair, pushed, and even scratched our player, drawing blood. I said that she would look to do worse in this game. And, did she ever. Ugly, brutal tactics that could seriously injure a high school athlete. More, the referees allowed it to happen. No consequences.

When people with a diseased sense of entitlement, pursuing careers and money they believe they deserve, are put in check by someone they consider inferior, they often become violent. And their victims can't often expect the referees to enforce the rules.

[BeHereNow]

35. Sad to hear of such tactics in such young people.

I've seen it in their parents and
as the saying goes, the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.

Our world and its fate is being decided by the very people
you refer to.

"When people with a diseased sense of entitlement, pursuing careers and money they believe they deserve, are put in check by someone they consider inferior, they often become violent. And their victims can't often expect the referees to enforce the rules."

Your daughter is so very fortunate that you and your wife are HER trees.

BHN

[BeHereNow]

25. Blackwater to add surge in Afghanistan

Speaking of private units and our tax dollars.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4232285
From LBN today by Scahill.

BHN

[AspenRose]

22. *P*retty much.

These are smart people in the WH! If WE can figure this out, why can't they?!

One thing I will give the GOP credit for; they know how to win elections. They can't govern worth a damn, but boy can they manipulate a message.

It has to be more than about winning, though. It has to be about doing the right thing. Supporting Wall Street over the American people is NOT the right thing!

And now Gibbs is saying they didn't expect to lose the seat in MA last night. Really?!

I am so frustrated I don't know what to do. :banghead:

[H2O Man]

32. In 2000, Clinton

understood it, and recognized it as presenting a danger to an already damaged political atmosphere. But, without my attempting to comment on his relationship with Gore, it is fair and accurate to say that he was not able to address his concerns with those running Gore's campaign.

There are certainly a number of reasons why the Democratic Party's leadership has failed, with the exception of Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, to take hold of this. In my opinion, those in leadership positions are generally unwilling and/or unable to deal with it, because they are somewhat a part of the same sick system. They hire the same consultants. They are connecting with the same sick media.

The only relief that can come about is through the activities of the grass roots. We need to engage in voter education and registration. We need to stop looking to those who are at best marginally interested in our concerns, to do for us what we need to do for ourselves.

One of the things that I have long wished is that the DU community would have a more organized approach to this. DU is a tool that we should be using to our full benefit. There are a number of people who have a background in, and good grasp of, political organizing at the grass roots level. But instead, the forum tends to focus on meaningless discussions and damaging arguments. That's a shame.

[kgnu_fan]

38. We need to grow the culture of Peace, caring of our people.

[H2O Man]

40. I agree.

In fact, I've been doing an outline in my mind for my next essay/OP on DU, which will focus on just that. Although the response to my suggestion that we need the grass roots to engage in something along the lines of an updated version of King's 1968 Poor People's Campaign have been sparse, I think that the urgency of the moment might make it clearer now.

[AspenRose]

39. I think you're right (as usual)

[Spazito]

29. Very true...

Superficiality dominates, not just politics but over all, sadly. The twenty second sound-bite, the flash of a 'pretty/handsome' candidate across the screen or, conversely a non-flattering photo depending on the message being sent, all of which is carefully chosen to feed the 'instant gratification' aspect we now have in society.

I do not see it changing to the better any time in the near future, sadly.

Recommended.

[kgnu_fan]

30. knr

[krabigirl]

37. don't forget that olde time religion!

[H2O Man]

41. That's part of personality.

And it definitely is a significant factor, that needs to be addressed.