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

[pinellas]

Good stuff - but I got hung up on the word 'failed', as in "...they've failed to govern competently..."

I don't think they 'failed' to govern competently, I think they just DIDN,T govern competently - & I think that they don't see a lot of the results as failure, on the contrary, a lot of it might be just what they wanted all along...

[Novalight]

I agree. The Tear-Down-America branch of the GOP is still firmly in control of the party. They have spent decades asserting that government is corrupt, unnecessary, & can't do anything right; when they have power they set out to prove it.

[elbzee]

Bingo pinellas! Notice how THEY'RE doing just dandy? Of course they don't consider it a failure. The rich are richer and the poor are poorer. They just love it when a plan comes together!!!

[sunnydaz]

Ever since the Palin announcement, many of us have been shaking our heads in amazement-- so I'm going to go ahead and ask what a lot of Americans are asking themselves these days: Are Americans just too darn stupid to support our Democracy? Seriously-- the world is a much different place than it was when the Constitution was framed, the issues much more complicated with far greater ramifications for mistakes. Can the average American truly understand the implications of the global trade deficit, how very different "socialized medicine" is from Universal Healthcare, the true cost of the Iraq war, and what the current state of education in this country means for our rapidly fading position as a global leader, etc. etc., etc?
As an independent, up until that fateful announcement I was carefully researching both presidential candidates. But McCain's choice of a running mate left no remaining questions in my mind as to how, and why, he makes decisions.
Now, my money, my time, my energy, and my vote belong to Obama.
Am I "unamerican" to think that American's might be too stupid to support our democracy? Perhaps-- but if so, then so too is McCain. For it was his campaign that clearly stated that this election is about personalities, and not the issues. Because, evidently, americans can't be trusted to decide on those complicated issues.

[innerealm]

An excellent post! Very thought provoking....

[brandon102]

Great Blog, Jared. Excellent observed.
Also, sunnydaz, I think you are saying something here that a lot of us are thinking & even talking/blogging about. I understand there are party "regulars," and "low information voters," but also think there is a huge pool of voters who are better labeled "idiots." This is the group who was willing to run off & vote for Ross Perot even though they knew nothing about him, who voted for Nader and elected Bush (really showed us), and who listen to Bush and Guliani and believe one is protecting the Constitution and the other all of America.

For a brief while I participated in the Healthcare blog over on Politico, but I couldn't take it. The majority of the people believed there were all these government programs in place so that everyone "really" got healthcare FREE because the hospitals would just pay for all the care while and the parents could leave their other kids with some federally-funded daycare program. And statistics or trends or facts just bounced off their little pinheads and back came the might reply: Socialized Medicine! And as much as I'm willing to do to prevent it, that's why I see 16 years of McCain/Palin ahead of us.

[Tom Joad]

The past as prologue: It's 1952 and the presidential election features an intellectual from Illinois (Adlai Stevenson) vs. a war hero (Dwight Eisenhower). The GOP picked an attack dog for VP (young Richard Nixon). Does this sound familiar? Beware for we all know how the 1952 election ended - and repeated in 1956. Beware. Anyone who saw McCain Sunday on Face the Nation saw him diving for the center - beware, he's trying to moderate his message to win the independents and undecideds, but his message was loud and clear at the RNC convention - he and his party have a cynical view of all of us, and really don't care about our well-being. Beware.

[dubop]

I think that in light of J McC's not wanting to talk to the media or answer any probative questions, they should grant him his wish. The option should be clear,face some tough honest questions or we won't carry any water for you.If he can only go on Fox News he won't gain many voters. They are all going to vote for him anyway.

[Fromageball]

McCain spokesperson on healthcare:
"Anyone with access to an emergency room effectively has insurance, albeit the government acts as the payer of last resort."

"So I have a solution. And it will cost not one thin dime," Mr. Goodman said. "The next president of the United States should sign an executive order requiring the Census Bureau to cease and desist from describing any American - even illegal aliens - as uninsured." "So, there you have it. Voila! Problem solved."


http://www.nmfbihop.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=355D386B787CFAC2D939FC35C3D09E18?diaryId=1611

[socialworker57]

Ok, what worries me about McCain is an inconsistency in his personal story -- he talks about (and writes about) having been offered an early release from prison, how this would have been a great propaganda coup for his captors, and how he refused. I have talked to a number of people about this, and the issue is: if you are a prisoner of war, no one gives you a choice about taking part in their propaganda coup. If the Vietnamese had wanted him repatriated for the publicity, they would have made it happen without regard for his wishes. How much more of his story is slanted in this way? Why isn't the cross in the dirt part of the story in his book? Why did it only appear after he started courting the religious right? I know that any questioning of his "hero" status is treated as heresy, and I do respect his service to our country. Nevertheless, he was fifth from the bottom of his class at the Academy, and his presence there was based on a legacy. I know that dwelling on this smacks of the elitism that the Republicans are so fond of bashing (what, are we supposed to disdain education and accomplishment?), but if there is this type of sloppiness in his much vaunted personal story, how are we to judge his capacity for the very real work that must be done by the next President? As I said, this worries me.

[GSMRaleigh]

I watched a good bit of the RNC. When I looked at that crowd, I saw no diversity. I saw white faces. Polar opposite of what was at the DNC.

They are not us.

[SpectCon]

What I don't get is how we have this headline about "Outsiders" when we have a polling show Obama down 4 to registered voters and down 10 to likely voters.

That's a seismic event. Why are we pretending this Palin crap isn't serious?

It feels to me like team Obama needs to be more aggressive.

Gibson is giving this woman a two day fluff interview that's just going to increase her numbers.

Attack her for being a wacko extremist. Call her a liar and highlight her lies. Mock McCain for desperation.

I don't have the numbers that matter, so mine is only a gut reaction. But my gut tells me this could be the race if not dealt with this week.

And I'll keep saying it, asking Biden off the ticket and Hillary on the ticket, is still the trump card for Obama and Dems. It gives them Arkansas and is guaranteed to move attention away from Palin. It's a desperate move, but there are little drawbacks to doing it if need be.

[BeltwayBette]

I am a military veteran with two terms of duty from a military family. My father and stepfather and brother are all decorated heroes. My brother received the Bronze and Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts and was recommended for the Medal of Honor.

If you truly support our military, wherever they serve, please see this video and listen to our military heroes, including the voice of a Medal of Honor recipient. Thank you. JMB, former US Navy Medic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYXCplJN1uo

[BeltwayBette]

If you are a Republican and hesitate to vote for Sen.Obama/Sen. Biden for party loyalty reasons, why not take a look at why some life long Republicans are now supporting the Democratic ticket?
This may be our last chance to take back our nation and reverse some of the Bush/Cheney/Rove policies. These Republicans examined their reasons to choose Obama over McCain carefully. Their reasons may resonate with your heart and head.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3PbiplAXTo&feature=user
Another military veteran who would follow President Obama and his plans for our national security with absolute trust in his ability to keep us safe in the world. JMB

[raiffer]

“Framing” the election in sound bits and personalities is now the Republican way. Rove is winning. He knows Lakoff and the power of words http://berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2003/10/27_lakoff.shtmll.

Try reading a little Lakoff:
Moral politics : What Conservatives Know that Liberals Don't
Don’t think of an Elephant! Know Your Values and Frame the Debate

The Democrats don’t see that the point is to build a personality with whom we can identify. Look at Schwarzenegger in California. That we bring the values along with us is just gravy.

Don’t be confused that the only thing this election season is about is words in proper order. Even Lakoff demonstrates the power of properly presented issues and policies.

We need to win, perhaps on the “Rovian” terms. That’s right, turn the tables on them.
Get our team elected because we build men that the people know coupled to issue points with which the populace can identify.

[BeltwayBette]

McCain’s impaired judgment offers us:
Poltiical Barbie, McCain’s “soul mate” as our potential President.
More Bush smoke and mirrors.
Higher deficits for US; more debt to China; Lower minimum wage; Less safety for workers, greater wealth for the top 2 percent wealthy
No incentives for US jobs; Social Security privatization?
More illegal incarcerations/ kidnapping/ torture, loss of personal privacy, and Constitution raping.
No equal pay for equal work, no Roe vs. Wade, no legal contraceptives, no child care outside the home.
Crime will increase as the economy continues tanking.
School vouchers equal Republican’s siphoning tax dollars to evangelical schools and starving public education: our children will learn only right wing world visions. And who deserves to live in that world.
McCain’s ignorance about the Internet will create laws limiting its use.
McCain will reinstate the draft and a foreign policy in line with his warrior fantasies. His inability to think clearly endangers our nation.

Another choice: Check out Sen. Obama’s complete background in biographer David Mendell’s book, “Obama, from Promise to Power.”
If you truly support our military, please see this video and listen to our military heroes, including a Medal of Honor recipient. Thank you. JMB, former US Navy Medic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYXCplJN1uo

[LetMeUnderstandThis]

Wow is all that comes to mind, very moving

1) Register
2) Vote

Obama/Biden 08

[krocklin]

You forgot to mention the McCain and Republican total lack of vision in terms of the energy future. No incentives or awareness or proposals for renewable sources of energy - only nuclear (which relies on uranium, which is not renewable) and more oil.

[Alligator]

The McCain-Palin criticism of the Republican adminstration reminds me of the comic strip, Pogo. The most memorable line was, "we have met the enemy and he is us?. Isn't that what McCain and Palin are saying?

[nyxnoodle]

I quite agree with you. I'm worried Obama will be too measured in his responses. We need to see him really get fired up. Thank God Biden is on board, and I really hope they give him the go ahead to say what he thinks, no holds barred.

[ricchase]

Senator Obama had best find his lower middle physical counterweights and start using them....FAST!! Or else he is going to lose this election. And not just for himself but also for the millions and millions of hopeful, frustrated Americans that put their faith and their votes behind a man that had fresh ideas, drive and the fortitude to convince us he was our man for change and and a better life. He must fight fire with hotter fire. The time for disciplined rhetoric and niceties to appear "civilized" and the superior leader is not working and has to be discarded. Time is running out.

One of the reasons McCain/Palin are being successful is their willingness to be pit bulls. Right or wrong, it is working and you best take notice and take off the lace gloves. And fully release Joe Biden. He speaks the truth with force and fight, and in case you haven't noticed, Americans like that. Now, Senator Obama, get your butt out their and win this thing for America. We NEED you to win!

[sunnydaz]

THANK YOU! I understand that he wants to take the high road, but is taking a BIG gamble that the majority of americans can decipher the lies from fact-- not an easy task if most of your input is from a television.
NOTE TO OBAMA-- everybody already knows you're smarter and more ethical. Now we need to see how you can hold your own in a street brawl. If you can't kick to the curb some guy who's own party doesn't particularly like, how the heck can you hold your own with Putin or Jong-il?

I am a woman, I am an independent, I am college educated-- I AM TELLING YOU TO KICK PROM QUEEN ASS! (. . . oh-- and the old guy hiding behind her too).

[imfedup]

As C. Montgomery Burns would say, "Release the houuuuunds!"

[ThirdEye]

Well stated...we definitely need to have Joe Biden turned loose to work his magic.

[nubret2008]

Voting Republicans is like smoking cigarettes - you always ask yourself why you do such a stupid thing afterwards...