SBu
DP Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2013
- Messages
- 1,523
- Reaction score
- 636
- Location
- Washington State
- Gender
- Male
- Political Leaning
- Centrist
Talking points and slogans have always been present in politics, but today it seems like we are constantly barraged with them. Do you think these are positive devices used to quickly inform the unconnected voter? or Do you think these are negative devices used to confuse and herd the unconnected voter?
Examples from campaigns/pundits: Forward, Hope and Change, take-home pay, Obamacare, Red line, "old rich white guy", "illegal immigrant", war on terror, a video causing Benghazi incident, etc.
My personal take: The latter. I think that modern politics is more a branding battle than a battle over the issues. The parties understand that the vast majority of voters are uninformed and/or unconcerned. Because most Americans can't be bothered to find out more about issues or develop meaningful opinions, the quick slogan or 30 second or less talking point is now used to confuse and herd the unconnected voter to one side or another. This is part of a branding war in which the Democrats have been hugely successful; not only in branding themselves favorably but also in branding the Republicans unfavorably. What's particularly fascinating is we are now seeing these talking points/slogans proclaim flat out lies at worst or misleading information at best (important to note from both sides). The important thing is to stick to your story no matter how false or true it is, hoping that if the voter hears it enough...it will eventually become fact.
Lastly, what are some of your favorite examples and why?
Examples from campaigns/pundits: Forward, Hope and Change, take-home pay, Obamacare, Red line, "old rich white guy", "illegal immigrant", war on terror, a video causing Benghazi incident, etc.
My personal take: The latter. I think that modern politics is more a branding battle than a battle over the issues. The parties understand that the vast majority of voters are uninformed and/or unconcerned. Because most Americans can't be bothered to find out more about issues or develop meaningful opinions, the quick slogan or 30 second or less talking point is now used to confuse and herd the unconnected voter to one side or another. This is part of a branding war in which the Democrats have been hugely successful; not only in branding themselves favorably but also in branding the Republicans unfavorably. What's particularly fascinating is we are now seeing these talking points/slogans proclaim flat out lies at worst or misleading information at best (important to note from both sides). The important thing is to stick to your story no matter how false or true it is, hoping that if the voter hears it enough...it will eventually become fact.
Lastly, what are some of your favorite examples and why?