Disdain Versus Change

Last week in this space I applauded the fact that a few important shards of reality broke through the predictable pageantry of the Democratic National Convention. This week, it is hard not to boo the truly fantastical specter of the RNC, where reality was banished from the hall.

Like others, I will critique the non-reality of it all (see Bob Herbert, e.g.), but I also think there is a critical, forward looking lesson from the past two weeks about how the fight is evolving, and what Democrats need to do to win this election and get America back on track.

It's their disdain versus our hope.

The whole frame of the RNC--running against the Washington establishment--was ludicrous, of course, with the ticket headed by a 26-year senator whose agenda is almost perfectly in sync with that of the past eight years. I tried to listen to all the big speeches, but to hear Romney argue that it's the liberals who have screwed everything up, or Palin, charismatic as she may be, gleefully mock Obama, or the chant of "drill, baby, drill" from the crowd, or McCain wax substance-free, ad nauseam, proved to be too much for me.

One of the best responses came from Obama himself.

"You wouldn't know that this is such a critical election by watching the convention last night. I know we had our week and so, you know, the Republicans deserve theirs. But it's been amazing to me to watch. Over the last two nights, if you sit there and you watch it, you're hearing a lot about John McCain - and he's got a compelling biography as a POW. You're hearing an awful lot about me, most of which is not true. What you're not hearing is a lot about you."

Watch the clip. He goes on to talk about what the R's managed to ignore all week: health care, alternative energy, jobs, the recession, the middle-class squeeze, strengthening unions (well, it's not like they would have come out for that one, though I did find it curious that they kept bragging on how Todd Palin is a member of the steelworkers' union--I get that they're making a play for the Reagan democrats, Hillary's white-working class vote, etc, but again, the spectacle of them courting these folks with their deeply anti-union agenda is hard to watch).

Obama's comments--"they're talking (albeit, lying) about me, not you"--were particularly notable compared to those made by McCain's campaign manager Rick Davis, who said the other day:
"This election is not about issues. This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates."

So these are the battle lines, and they're worth a bit of deconstruction. It's not just the old,
"we're about issues, they're about personalities." Like Obama said, it's about reaching "you," the voter, but each camp is going after a very different you.

Obama is correct, of course, in that they're not talking about your real struggles, the challenges you face. They're not talking about the part of your life wherein good government can actually make a difference. That's because they've failed to govern competently and they're bereft of ideas about what to do next.

But they are, in their coded, Rovian way, talking about "you." It's just not the "you" that can't find reliable, affordable health care, or the you whose job was offshored, or the you who would like to know the plan for reversing the eight months of consecutive job losses, or the you who's asking why we're about to bail out Fannie and Freddie.

The "you" they're going after is the one on which they successfully played the fear card in 2004. They played that card again in 2006, but you didn't pick it up, and they noticed. So now they're going after a different you.

They're stoking your disdain for "elitism"--a deeply weird tack given the status of so many of their principal players--for the media, for the Washington establishment (again, incredible). Remember the McCain adds accusing Obama of being a celebrity? It's the same thing: disdain for this unusual guy who's just too damn popular.

In fact, if you had to find one word to characterize that convention last week, "disdain" would be a fine choice. We think of negative campaigning as saying bad things about your opponent, but the negativity of conservatives in this election goes much deeper than that. It's a pernicious drive to tap into the electorate's cynicism, distrust, and disdain.

Did you see Giuliani and Palin tear into Obama for working as a community organizer? It was cast as a critique of his lack of experience, but I also heard pure disdain for helping the have-nots and powerless. (And it's been pointed out that the evangelical Palin should recognize that Jesus was a community organizer and Pontius Pilate was a governor.)

What happened to the "morning in America" party of their patron saint Reagan? There's no optimism to these folks, just cynicism and disdain for the electorate: "Hey, you're a women for Hillary...well, then you'll want to support our new VP (pay no attention to their hugely disparate views);" disdain for the planet: "drill, baby, drill!;" disdain for the facts: "Obama will raise taxes on the middle class and small businesses!" (He cuts taxes much more than McCain for both groups.)

They're so busy spewing venom, they don't have time to think about the "you" that could use some seriously good government right about now. We face so many profound challenges both here and abroad, in no small part because we've been operating from their fantasy play book for so long. WMD's, Americans don't torture, Brownie's heckuva job, Mission Accomplished, the economy's fundamentals are sound, we're all whiners stuck in a mental recession...all of this nonsense keeps today's conservatives so busy assaulting reality that any actually useful initiatives have been almost totally crowded out.

But how do we make this election about the right "you," not the disdainful one who gets a negative charge out of dumping on Davis's "composite views," but the one who wants and needs a return to reality-based governing? As Drew Westin has pointed out, if this fight ends up being about our lists of good ideas versus their emotional grab, we lose.

Obviously, we need to elide our ideas with narratives that emotionally resonate, as Obama effectively did in his acceptance speech. It's helpful to point the hypocrisy so clearly on display last week at their convention, but too much of that and we just end up vying for the same negative vein they're busily tapping.

This doesn't mean they get a pass. Part of the narrative that Obama et al must continue telling stresses how damaging their ideas have been, particularly over the Bush years, and how McCain/Palin double-down on the worst of those ideas: supply-side tax cuts, endless war, no serious energy policy beyond drilling, privatize Social Security, health care reform that eschews risk pooling, the whole "you're on your own" agenda Obama castigated in his speech.

But the positive part of our agenda is equally important and it is simply this: we have will and the skill to honestly assess where we've gone wrong over the past eight years, and to make the needed changes to get America back on track.

We can look, open-eyed, at the current economy, with its contracting job market, banks failing in the wake of the housing bubble, and unprecedented levels of inequality and do something about it, something very different than what we've been doing: progressive tax changes (cuts for the those on the losing side of inequality, increases for its beneficiaries); an alternative energy plan that creates jobs while investing in independence from fossil fuels; a re-regulatory agenda to break the shampoo cycle of the macroeconomy (bubble, bust, repeat). They look at the same thing, somehow see an endorsement of Bushonomics, and push for more of the same.

It's the same with the war, where they're so busy supporting the Cheney/Bush/surge success story, that their eyes are off the ball. Did McCain even mention the resurgence of the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan?

I admit it, Mr. Davis, these are "issues." And while I know you'll be fighting to make this election not about them, we'll be relentlessly linking them to the real lives of the people you and your team are trying to collar with cynicism, disdain, and mockery.

And while it will be a close one, in the battle of hope and real, substantive change against cynical disdain, I think we'll win.

Comments

[SHUSH]

As an inner-city male, maybe I'm the one that is out of touch. I understand about Sarah being Governor / Mayor, which is a legitimate claim in my book. Unfortunately that is not the talking point for this campaign. But, the talking point is something I still cannot figure out. What does a "Soccer mom," "PTA member" and "Moose hunter" has to do with being Vice President? Why is this so exciting to white women in this country? Being raised in a single parent home, I also understand the pride in seeing a women achieve the position of vice president or any ambitious job while raising children. But that is not the story in the case of Sarah Palin. She is not struggling like you to pay bills or find affordable daycare for her children. She has the full support of her husband and family in raising the two children who still need parental care. Plus a six figure salary (not including her husband) and a rent free governor’s mansion to make her career hunt more palatable. I guess I’m trying to figure how YOU the average or even, above average women can relate to her so called plight of the working class mother?

[Mobird]

Right on Bro!

[pacodog]

I wish I knew. I am a white woman who has spent the morning crying over this election and the stupidity of the American electorate. My gut tells me that America is looking for any reason they can not to trust Barack Obama. The fact that the media does not seem to ask any hard questions of the McCain camp doesn't help the situation. I have tried to be positive, I have donated and volunteered, but I am starting to lose hope.

[cindyw]

I'm an average white woman, married to an average white man, and neither of us can figure out the appeal of Sarah Palin. I find her repellent, but then I still don't see the appeal of George Bush

[repstuckonstupid]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! I am hoarse from screaming at my tv, and have developed sore fingers from so much blogging about this very thing. I can only hope more people are stopping and thinking.

[maribelle1963]

But SHUSH, you're missing the point:

Working mom! WalMart! Babies! POW, 9/11, Maverick, Maverick, Maverick!

I fear for my country.

[jbatch]

With all due respect to you and Drew Westin, making this election about our "list" is exactly what we need to do.

And we have to contrast our list -- and the choices and constituencies embedded in it -- with their list and their choices and their constituencies.

Look, the only way we can get this election off of fear and smear is to point out what choices each party has made and specifically show who's benefited. We have to do that over and over again, starting right now.

That's what flushed Gramm out, and it will force McCain and Palin to address real issues not "narratives" or "stories" or other faux BS.

We've lost two consecutive Presidential races we should have won by running from the issues. It's not hard to see why the Repugs prefer "narratives" to issues -- they lose on the issues, because they've chosen corporations and fat cats over people every time.

It's astounding, however, that we would run from an issue based election. Particularly since the advice of folks like Westin has resulted in nothing but loses.

[returnofthejedi]

I think the republicans are doing as expected. This is the same thing they have done for years. They are liars cheaters and thieves, and they are proud of it. This is the party of people that have enjoyed privilege in America. Have never had to worry oneday where their next dollar will come from because they have always been the "elite." While everyone else in America pushes for brotherhood and Unity, these people never want to see that. They will continue to attempt their divisive politics, so there is no need to expect any different.
The tragic part of this is the people that run and support the destroyers of this nation to there own detriment. These are none other than the old gaurd of closet racist that have been left in places of power to continue a failed and destructive philosophy. Unequal treatment of American citizens.
In my book this ideal is far more destructive to the fabric of America than any terrorist or army of terrorist. I know that militarily America has the ability to destroy any army. The obvious racial bias that exsist and stinks in America for all to see and smell must be defeated by a different army. This enemy must be defeated by an educated voting public that wont just lay down and vote against their own interest to be a part of the Barbie and Ken crowd. These folks are truly stuck on stupid.

[krocklin]

There are unfortunately two easy ways Obama can lose.

One is by using fatuous campaign slogans like "Change".

McCain has showed the inanity of this "pledge" by stating that HE is the "change candidate".

Anyway, change can be for the worse or better. The Same can only be the Same. Like McSame.

That works. "Change" doesn't.

The other way he can lose is if he goes too deeply into policy details, as he, Kerry and Democrats in general tend to do.

He needs to address "gut issues" , which are so easy to pluck out of the ruined economy.

Perot made a whole campaign out of the budget deficits, explaining that this in effect amounts to a taxation greater than would be imposed by any social programs.

Why Obama is not exploiting this "gut issue" I can't figure. He should be explaining that we are paying interest to foreign countries because of the huge deficit, which resulted from Republican management.
This approach would arrouse a "gut response" in Americans, who don't like the idea that other countries are advancing faster than they are -- at their expense.

[SouthpawSass]

McCain in 2000: Reformer.
Bush in 2000: Reformer with results!
Bush won.

Obama in 2008: Change
McCain in 2008: Change is coming!
?

[OleSmartee]

Sure, we see the RNC for what it is -- but America apparently doesn't.

Here's the latest from a USA Today Poll http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-09-07-poll_N.htmm) :

"In the new poll, taken Friday through Sunday, McCain leads Obama by 54%-44% among those seen as most likely to vote. The survey of 1,022 adults, including 959 registered voters, has a margin of error of +/— 3 points for both samples."

THIS IS NOT GOOD!! I've been warning everyone here that Obama's numbers are eroding fast -- and, I'm sorry, but I think the Biden pick is KILLING HIM!! He's now behind by 10 F'ING POINTS!!

McCain is hurting, Palin is hurting, Barack's shifting positions is hurting, AND BIDEN IS HURTING!! We've gotta do something, quick.

[jedonspring]

This great article really sums up the differences in style of the Obama Campaign vs McCain's. Obama stresses what we can do as a nation, moving forward, working for the future with a leader who inspires. Whereas lies, sarcasm, gimmicks, puppetry run rampant with McCain and Palin all fueled by Mr.No-Chin,Rick Davis who spits venom and negativity with the best of them.


The choice is so clear: Obama/Biden08!

[Mobird]

With this convention, I've been struck by the defining of 2 Americas -- East & West. Republicans tapped into and are exploiting the Western distain of the East coast. (Westerners don't understand the East Coast, probably because of educational quality differences, so it's easier to call it elite and denegrate it.) We're moving past the traditional Democrat/Republican alignment (example: unions vs. entreprenuers) into a clash of Eastern vs. Western U.S. cultures.

[jbcowan]

"Disdain for the Planet; Disdain for the Facts"........how 'bout DISDAIN FOR THIS COUNTRY !

When McCain says (in a loud voice): Country First, I have to chuckle.....Whenthahell have the Republicans EVER put country FIRST ? Not in my lifetime!

[RossBlair]

No 'drill, baby, drill', no coal, no nuclear?
Well, I am a farmer and I agree with Obama. To show my support, I will not be planting a crop this coming Spring. I'm just going to see what life brings. PEACE.

[kcsmom]

Fantastic Blog.

Sigh... your message should get out repeatedly to more young undecideds leaning toward McCain.
Most of them, I find, seldom read.

Would you be willing to wear a funny hat and say it in your boxers on you- tube?

[buddy05]

Yes, and accusing them of being stupid or of not reading will certainly cause them to take your arguments seriously. When are you going to get it. I am voting for John McCain and I read everything I can.

[Alaric30]

I agree wholeheartedly that this election is ultimately a battle for "substantive change against cynical disdain," but I think that most Americans feel, and the Republicans are taking full advantage of the sentiment, that Democrats regard them with cynical disdain and mockery. For the most part, I think that this sentiment reflects reality; how, for example, can one take seriously someone who believes in creationism? The criticisms leveled at Palin and those leveled at Bush, however valid, have the sting of an insult to a family member by an outsider to most Republicans and I think most Republicans want to clean house from within. Palin has become the symbol of this sentiment and all the mockery and cynical disdain showered upon her, her education, looks and family, have only reinforced that sentiment.

[provgrays]

McCain is leading in major polls now.

This proves that voters can't tell between lies and truth.

The Democrats never learn.

Nice doesn't cut it.

[imfedup]

As long as mean continues to work, they will continue to use it. It is up to use to show that we won't tolerate it. Unfortunately, too many people see this as a version of extreme fighting instead of something that will ultimately affect their quality of life.

[Nofuzzydreams]

And what other excuses for not nominating the most qualified candidate?? Fact is no Democrat other than a Clinton has recently won.

[MYSTERIOUS]

TEMPORARY. ONLY TEMPORARY.

[NU81]

It's called a convention bounce! You won't be so happy when Obama debates McCain on the issues and not only presents himself as very well-informed and insightful, but also truthful. If McCain can't win with the truth, it's time to step aside.

Obama-Biden 2008

[Donnat]

Nice doesn't cut it, but not for Democrats. You saw the crowd at the RNC go wild at the nastiness, not the vision. I hope Obama and Biden fight back at these two pretenders of change and use all the dirty tricks they can but the larger problem, in my view is Republican cognitive dissonance. They call liberals 'angry' but they are the party of pure poison. Nothing is so nasty they won't cheer it wildly.

[yankeesmith]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Wal-mart tabloid headings aside - or perhaps the masses would rather vote for Miss Congeniality, for Miss I can't wait for the next installment, good as American Idol, or Survivor!If that's the case then everyone will be excited for next installment: Palin's son chooses the military rather than Jail Time for 2007 drug charges...or Man Palin had affair with having his divorce records sealed as we speak. Go for it...have fun.
BUT SERIOUSLY...when you've had your sugar fix...
FED TAKES OVER FANNIE AND FREDDY! The largest take over in history that will affect every mortgage holder. MONEY ITEM. I want the SMARTEST President to handle the legal restructuring of these giants. Let's see...McCain graduated 864th in a class of 869. That's about as dumb as you can get. Palin spent 6 years going to 5 colleges for a 4 year degree in communications. She wanted to be on T.V. (She does a heck of a job reading teleprompters, timing is excellent!) Obama who went to Columbia, Harvard, head of the Harvard Law Review. Doesn't get smarter than that, and no "Daddy donating to get him into the Ivy League". Joe Biden - University of Delaware and Law School at Syracuse University. No small feat either AND he teaches Constitutional Law at Weidner Law School. Now who would you want to tackle Fannie and Freddy? It's like Obama said, "They must think you're stupid!" No, McCain and Palin are stupid...for real.

[MsDoc]

This is a terrific article... and exactly on point.

People are making jokes about Gov. Pa lin's crash course in Federal Government 101, but it isn't funny. This candidate has no experiential background in what it takes, and the knowledge one has to have, to lead ( run ) a country as big and diverse as ours.

Just her lack of international underatanding should be enough...

And how her handlers are going to cram all this essential knowledge into her brain in ten days or so escapes me entirely.

Why they would want to escapes me even more. There were far more qualified Rep women available if gender were the issue. So why her?

[imfedup]

She's "hot." That appeals to Billy Bob and his friends. That's all.

[Tom Joad]

...the other available, qualified Repub women don't appeal to the extreme right Republican base.

[aleco]

MsDoc, she is a creature of the oil industry. Need I say more?

[mezz1962]

Wasn't Obama who said "I will invade Pakistan to get Bin laden" did Obama say "I will meet with Iran with no preconditions" Well I guess he needs to take a Crash course in International Affairs 101

There are far more Qualified Men and Woman in Fact just about every Dems is more qualified than Obama

[SpongeyDude]

"So why her?" Truly a great question. Consider this.
This election, like the last two, is not, for Republicans, about their candidates. Reflecting back on the last eight years, it is clear that, while in the top seat, W was very much a puppet. The key guy was Cheney, who is much more strongly connected to the GOP infra power structure (that includes H W). Decisions were made behind the scenes and W was trotted out to "do the job" and try to look as little like an ass as possible - at which he failed miserably. Unsurprising for a guy who's as dumb as wood and not a particularly likeable guy.
McAilin' and Pal Palin are the same. Convenient dupes put in place to continue the policies and goals of the GOP power elites (and they are truly "elites" that evince the worst connotation of the word). The same way they were comfortable having a complete doofus as their figurehead, they are completely comfortable having a rusty bobblehead doll and his eye candy take over. Because they will just be implementing other people's agendas, content to have the titles bestowed upon them forever as President and Vice President...and why they don't care that Palin would be a myocardial infarction or cranial clot away from the top job. And it is one reason, among many, many reasons, why McCain must be sent back to the Senate and Palin back to the backwaters.