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Today is, of course, election day. The Democrats and Republicans are battling it out to see which politicians will be serving the special interests. Of course, there are a few third party candidates and independents in the mix as well (some of whom are ex-Republicans displaced by the Tea Party).
The pundits are claiming that the Democrats will be the losers this time around. This is certainly plausible, given how poorly the Democrats have been at putting out a persuasive message. While I am no fan of the Republicans, the “don’t give them the keys back” message seems to lack rhetorical power. I suspect that part of the problem is that the Democrats clearly want to distance themselves from themselves and what they have done. Also, the Republicans and their supporters have done a much better job at perception control.
Interestingly, some pro-Democrat pundits have been highly critical of the Democrats’ failure to make their successes known and to make it clear that these have been positive things. Instead, the Democrats and Obama have been, in general, rather quiet. This has, of course, largely given the Republicans the upper hand in shaping public perception. Since people tend to vote based on easy perception rather than the result of diligent research and critical assessment, this gives the Republicans a significant edge.
The Republicans (or at least their allies) have also been trying to get an edge in other ways. One rather controversial approach has been the “stay home and don’t vote” efforts. The best known attempt was the ad urging Nevada’s Latino voters to not vote. The “logic” behind this attempt was that Latinos should send a message to Democrats by not voting. Of course, as has been pointed out, this would simply increase the likelihood of Sharron Angle’s election which does not seem to be in the interest of most Latino voters. Of course, it must be noted that this was one incident and not a general strategy on the part of the Republican party.
At the end of the day we should know some of the results-although there might be some recounts or other matters to resolve. If the Democrats hold their lead, we can expect more of the same. If the Republicans win big, we can expect more of what was when the Republicans were last in power. Until recently, I would have been inclined to bet that the Democrats would hold on to their majority for a bit longer. But, these are difficult times and the Republicans have been playing to win while the Democrats have been…well, Democrats.
Greg Camp says
November 2, 2010 at 4:57 pmWill Rogers said it best: I am a member of no organized party. I am a Democrat. Winning elections requires organization and single-mindedness, something that the Left has trouble generating, whereas Republicans have been on message since Goldwater and Buckley.
Sue Barnett says
November 2, 2010 at 5:20 pmSweet blogger, I do have to say, being from a democracy in a republic, and not sure whether I should come out of hiding and survival mode and relax, this makes me as paranoid as hell.
Weird, I’ve never given it a second thought before, and I’m sure all this has been said many times over before I found myself in a Republic.
I had a bust up with my landlord yesterday, and you saying, ‘don’t give them the keys back’ . . . I’m sure you are probably quoting something you’ve heard on your own media, but for me it is uncomfortably close to home.
PS have you read my blog? It’s public again now.
T. J. Babson says
November 2, 2010 at 5:22 pmThis is pretty funny.
Michael LaBossiere says
November 2, 2010 at 6:27 pmAh, the informed electorate. 🙂
T. J. Babson says
November 2, 2010 at 5:26 pmThis is good, too.
Michael LaBossiere says
November 2, 2010 at 5:41 pmAwesome.
WTP says
November 3, 2010 at 11:45 am“Also, the Republicans and their supporters have done a much better job at perception control.” Yeah, let’s not forget the “perception control” of “don’t give them the keys back”, given that this slate of Republicans is significantly different that the previous group, “back” has an interesting meaning. Or did you forget about the Tea Party influence?
“The Republicans (or at least their allies) have also been trying to get an edge in other ways. One rather controversial approach has been the “stay home and don’t vote” efforts. ”
Of course, Democrats (excuse me, “or at least their allies”) have entire media establishments crooning their tunes.
And let’s not forget the Black-Panther-toting-night-stick in 2008…oh, yeah, they’re not Dem. allies, so never mind…
Michael LaBossiere says
November 4, 2010 at 11:38 amWell, the entire establishment except for Fox, Rush, etc. 🙂
Sure, the Democrats can be criticized as well. However, this does not prove that my assessment of the Republicans is incorrect.
WTP says
November 4, 2010 at 12:26 pmI said “entire media establishmentS” not “THE entire media establishment”. As in “d : a place of business or residence with its furnishings and staff”. Of course, at the rate the current top dogs are losing customers, it won’t be long before you’re right on that count.
“Democrats and Obama have been, in general, rather quiet”…Not if you live anywhere near Alan Grayson. Oh, that it were true.
And God knows how one could address the assertion that “Republicans and their supporters have done a much better job at perception control.” Wouldn’t a refutation of such just be my perception? Bestowed upon me, of course, by the nefarious Republicans.
WTP says
November 4, 2010 at 12:27 pmCut & paste missed a section….
You seem to be implying that the D’s just didn’t try or didn’t try hard enough. That’s rather damning in itself.