Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Newt note
Some time ago I speculated that Newt is trying to form a new party, because his campaign is so strange and puzzling.
I've decided it's not strange at all ... but it is entirely unlike the pattern we've come to see as politics. Campaigning as defined by Dick Morris and Karl Rove means a slimy race to the bottom, where both sides cover each other with mud. Its goal is to disgust and repel the vast majority of voters, leaving only the hard core of hopelessly loyal, easily identified and easily manipulated 'broken-glass' voters on each side, while carefully saying nothing of consequence that might attract new people to your own side.
What Newt is doing is the opposite, which wouldn't look strange in any context outside modern politics. He's running a typical product rollout, as any competent company will do with books, beer, or brooms. Instead of turning away all but the reliable handful, he's gradually establishing his brand to attract voters. He's saying: Here's what I'm made of, here's the problem I'll solve, here's what I'll do for you. ¶ 3:47 PM
I've decided it's not strange at all ... but it is entirely unlike the pattern we've come to see as politics. Campaigning as defined by Dick Morris and Karl Rove means a slimy race to the bottom, where both sides cover each other with mud. Its goal is to disgust and repel the vast majority of voters, leaving only the hard core of hopelessly loyal, easily identified and easily manipulated 'broken-glass' voters on each side, while carefully saying nothing of consequence that might attract new people to your own side.
What Newt is doing is the opposite, which wouldn't look strange in any context outside modern politics. He's running a typical product rollout, as any competent company will do with books, beer, or brooms. Instead of turning away all but the reliable handful, he's gradually establishing his brand to attract voters. He's saying: Here's what I'm made of, here's the problem I'll solve, here's what I'll do for you. ¶ 3:47 PM
