Talking Points
These days, in political contests, nuance doesn’t work. We need specific bullet points, easily articulated, in order for anyone to pay attention.
Not saying that leads to good governing, but it helps in winning elections.
One thing that struck me last week when interviewing Republicans, Democrats, and Independents at our booth at the National Cattle Congress Fair is how well prepared the Democrat statehouse candidates were when it came to why they were running. Not saying I agree with them on their issues, or that a majority of voters would…not saying I even agree that those are the key issues. But presumably the party had them prepared.
Three issues: school vouchers, area education agency funding, and right to an abortion. They may have used different phrasing, but it was clear to me to be more than a coincidence that those three issues, in that order, kept showing up. The candidates knew their points, recited them well, and no doubt believed them.
Call it discipline, call it brainwashing…regardless, as I think of Congress these days, Democrats have it over Republicans in terms of sticking together and pushing an agenda.
I prefer my elected officials to be thoughtful and not just robots. But you have to acknowledge success in outcome when you see it. And it’s become more evident and worthy of comment lately.
