so--we become Karen Hughes/bush simpletons to win the WH (Dean)

[rodeodance]

I do not like it--but it works!!

http://www.bartcop.com/
Spreading the message

Click Here

Excerpt:
"Keep it simple' is the key to the White House, Howard Dean told his party last night. One major reason his party lost the 2004 race to the "brain-dead" Republicans is that it has a "tendency to explain every issue in half an hour of detail," Dean told Democrats Abroad,
which brought about 150 members from Canada and 30 other countries to Toronto for two days.
"I'm going to be very disciplined about how we deliver messages. We can have policy deliberations
in rooms like this. On TV, we have to be very focused."

[sasquatch]

1. That's what we have to do untill we can reregulate the media

Dean knows what he's talking about.

[FreedomAngel82]

8. I agree

Since Bush people love their sound bites. I often had people tell me they didn't know what Kerry was talking about, didn't know his stands on issues, he was a flipflopper etc. :eyes: They never listened to him obviously. I do admit he does talk long and drawn out on the issues but that's because he's intelligent and passionate. I remember reading after the election an interview with Kerry and he was saying he did learn a lot from the campaign so if he runs again I'm sure he probably learned about better communication. I'm glad Mr. Dean is on this mission. :D

[NYCGirl]

13. This is unrelated to the subject, but could you call the DNC Chairman

either Governor Dean or Dr. Dean? It's not a big deal (and I'm sure he'd answer to Mr. Dean) but it really bugs me.

Many thanks.

[Hershman]

2. its not actually a bad plan

What I mean is that sharp pointed messages win. Long-winded policy wonk rants dont.

Don't hate the player, hate the game.

[rodeodance]

4. no, not bad--I just resign to having to do dumb down things to win!!

[FreedomAngel82]

10. Ya gotta remember though

that people are "dumb-down" so to speak because of the media and how they love the soundbites. I think that was a major problem for Kerry this last time. Edwards did pretty well I think though with dealing with being clear and to the point. You can tell Kerry loves to talk about things he's passionate about but in today's society ya gotta get the message clear.

[TheWraith]

11. Look at it this way.

It's not dumbing down the message, it's simple, unvarnished truth. Like saying that Bush's Social Security program will cut benefits. That short and simple. Contrary to what is apparently a popular instinct around here, we don't have to spend a half an hour explaining how and why Bush's plan cuts benefits--it's enough that it does. We need to squelch our desire to have a dialog, because the other guys don't want to.

Bush's Social Security program will cut benefits.

Bush's Social Security program will have your mother or grandmother eating cat food.

When you're a poor black child, President Bush can't suffocate you fast enough.

For people who believe she's going to Heaven, Congress sure wants to keep Terri Schiavo a vegetable.

That sort of thing. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's bumper-sticker politics unbecoming of a great democracy. But when you've got thirty seconds to make your point, you've got to be short, you've got to be sharp, and you've got to be memorable. Sometimes that means being poignant, sometimes it means being vicious, sometimes it means being funny. I'm not fond of Dean, but he's right on this one. It's the world we live in.

[msongs]

16. concise, to the point, on task, focused --these are not dumbed down.

they are signs of courtesy to the listener.

Msongs
www.msongs.com/liberaltshirts.htm

[librechik]

3. excellent--we need this!

Go DEAN!

[napi21]

5. Dean is absolutely right!

I know none of us like sound bites, and I don't think it's necessary to use them all the time, but new journalists, and advertisers have known for quite a while that they have to write and speak at about an 8th grade level at the most.

For many reasons, people generally have a very short attention span, and don't for the most part care about details. Keep it short and sweet and very easy to understand.

[karynnj]

6. We need both

With the RW echo chamber spreading lies and confusion, we have a hard time getting a message out. Dean is right that we need a short, succinct version. We also need the more detailed plans to satisfy people who want a well reasoned leader.

Kerry had very very nice debate answers that were meaty while being within the time limits. The work he did to prepare those answers was well worth it and he did beautifully in the debates. It might though have been better to work some of these answers into commercials in the fall on key issues.

I also think that it is not productive to call the Republicans brain dead - this is not a way to win any of them over in the future. It is also immature and not polite.

[blogbear]

7. Go Dean! Mr. Dean..

Tear Down That Bush!

[radar]

9. Yup

The ol' K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid

Dem's seem to talk expecting the media to summarize & explain the message; and for the general public to do further research on the subject matter.
Hehe - riiiiight...

Short attention spans; modern technology's convenience, fast food & service, lots of channels to surf through on television between a show during commercial breaks - all make the public "quick on the draw."

* That's why I think the best commercials come during sporting events - advertisers know they have to hook the sport's audience fast (usually with humor) to keep 'em from channel surfing during the breaks.

[Jacobin]

12. It's called 'communication'

Not blathering extruded platitudes and I LOVE Dr. Dean for his ability to communicate....at least he communicates to me!

[Disturbed]

15. Extreme Right Wingers are evil.

Extreme Right Wingers hate Democracy and poor people.

Fundie so-called Christians hate Jesus and everything he stood and died for.

Just a few sound bytes for the ADD crowd.

HAHAHA

[Neshanic]

17. Dean knows. Now let's talk simple. Republicans are privacy destroyers.

Republicans are Jesus abusers.

Republicans are faith hypocrites.

Republicans want to control your personal life.

Republicans are communist enablers. (WalMart)

Faith is a Republican talking point.

[sendero]

14. As usual...

.... Dean figures it out way ahead of most everybody else.

We live in an America that is what it is, not what it ought to be or what we wish it would be.

Americans don't wish to invest much time or energy or thought into politics. Keep it concise or you will lose them.