“He only cares about himself” cuts through party and ideology and gives voters many ways to interpret the statement (all negative) that don’t rely on agreeing with us on any specific policy point. Great message, now let’s go win this thing!!!
As a person who wants the i's dotted, the t's crossed and the practice to match the theory—a nerd—I find this analysis and explanation of the Biden campaign's messaging enormously relieving and helpful. Not that it's going to win him the election, but Biden is also a much smarter campaigner. This is the succinct essence of the argument against Trump. Well done, and thanks for explaining the Message Box term, Dan!
I loved hearing about the origins of The Message Box. As a communications professional who really wishes I'd applied it to politics instead of where I landed, it was fun to hear about the how you've approached communication strategy for campaigns. Another thing I love about this is how actionable it is for volunteers in the field. It's so easy to frame around most issues important to any voter. I can see it for the border (recent border bill), tax cuts (only his wealthy friends), etc.
What about healthcare? How to connect that to the message? Ideas? Maybe --
Trump pretended Covid would "magically" go away so he wouldn't look bad, and many thousands of Americans paid the ultimate price. He was responsible for the overturning of Roe v Wade which put millions of women's health at serious risk, did nothing to lower drug costs, and wants to repeal the ACA -- all because he only cares about rewarding the rich and the corporate donors who keep him in power. All Trump cares about is himself and staying in power; Biden is on the other side of all those health issues, fighting every day for us.
I worry this still overlooks the core dynamic in this race: strength vs weakness. The American people like strong men a lot more than the Democratic party seems comfortable with. Biden can't configure himself as able to fight for people if he doesn't seem like he can fight at all, and that's how most people I know perceive him. People in my circles don't want to hear about political maneuvering. They think the system is corrupt and broken, and they want a leader who will get things done. Trump throws out a million things he's going to do. We know they won't work, but the sense of action is alluring, especially in comparison to someone who has been made to seem rudderless, ineffective, and subject only to whichever way the wind is blowing. To be clear, I don't think this is true of Biden, but it's what virtually every person I know thinks of him. I think the age issue is a proxy for strength, and democrats seem to be flat footed on this question. That you guys still worry about Biden seeming too angry seems off the mark to me. I think any level of fired up will help him, and we need to stop worrying about the bygone era of respectability politics.
I think a lot of people have been poisoned by the right wing propaganda machine (which is much more dominant than content form the left or even the middle). I think Biden has to own his age and the infirmities that go along with it, and then draw the contrast. Physical strength is not relevant to governing (FDR, Governor Abbott from Texas are in wheelchairs); the ability and willingness to get things done is. Trump is a showman who uses his "strength" to make money for himself and stay in power. All he did as president was pass a giant tax cut for the wealthy and appoint judges who overturned Roe. Biden used his presidency to pull us out of Covid, pass the largest piece of climate legislation in history, lower drug prices, make huge investments in infrastructure (remember "infrastructure week?"), forgive student loans, shore up the NATO alliance, etc., etc. etc. Trump is "strong" maybe, but he's a do-nothing fake who is only out for himself. Biden is capable and committed to working for us -- as he's proven.
I've been trying to think about how to talk about strength in terms of character, something along the lines of: rolling up your sleeves and working hard to help everyone live a better life takes strength; yelling about those you blame for your troubles does not. Do you think something like that might start to persuade your friends?
There are many kinds of strength--especially empathy. Toxic masculinity is also a type of "apparent" strength. But it is not strength. This is the core thesis in Ruth Ben-Ghiat's book STRONGMEN: MUSSOLINI TO THE PRESENT. They are not "strong." Yes--they are bullying authoritarians, mean, dishonest and violent, with a truckload of personal neuroses. It can look "strong" but that isn't what we should be calling it.
Yes, I absolutely agree that this is the best way to message the truth about Trump. I saw a video yesterday that was apparently from a private fundraiser in which Trump said to the crowd that “you’re all rich as hell and I’m gonna cut your taxes” and then he said something to the effect of we’re gonna pay off our debt. In that moment, I realized that he wants to cut taxes to pay his own debt. Because he’s such a narcissist I think he frequently means “I“ when he says “we“. Pretty much everything he says and does can be filtered through the lens of narcissism.
I am morbidly curious to see how the debate goes. I have to say that I'm very glad Biden is choosing this option - it inclusive of all Trump's sins, and doesn't focus in on any too much. Now that Trump has been saying he's wounded and has taken more hits than any president in history, there is an opportunity for a Biden PAC to run an ad that shows past presidents who have been shot and murdered (maybe too much?) as opposed to being justly prosecuted.
I have to say, I went down a rabbit hole yesterday - if you call reading Snopes' Twitter feed - apparently they are saying that Trump didn't say there were fine people on both sides, which he clearly did. It is out of context, but the context isn't great, either.
I think it’s a powerful message that resonates because it’s true. My only worry (well, today’s worry) is that the part about Biden running because he cares about you and your family can be undercut with, “Biden’s running out of ego. If he really cared about you and your family he’d have stepped down after one term, as he implied he would, and made room for someone who’s not in their 80s.”
It’s maybe not fair, as almost every president seeks a second term, but hard for me not to think some will go there.
Dan! I’m doing the Democratic freak out re: the NYT polls. I said to myself don’t freak out until you hear from Dan... so whaddya think? I hate the way they constantly needle Biden like it’s so personal and vindictive. Jesus it’s like wtf let it go....already....
Thank you Dan. This helps cut down on my anxiety. BUT--I still remind myself despite the high stakes on Thursday evening--there is a long way to go. The election is neither won, or lost tomorrow night. We just want a good night. I really hope Trump helps us out by being himself. I am a bit worried that the rules, although wise (making for a "better" debate) could help to soften Trump's worst traits. Oh well--just another reason I will worry until its over! The President needs to make the case.
I’m new to Message Box. Thank you for the MB origin story! I’m a fan of the thoughtfulness Dan brings to the Democrats.
I want to take a tangent from this piece because something I’m obsessed with caught my eye. “First, the best messages are the true ones.” I love this, but I worry about it. For starters, Socrates, in Plato’s Gorgias, famously concedes to Gorgias that he doesn’t like his own chances debating a sophist such as Gorgias using simply the truth to persuade the mob. (I’m paraphrasing.) He concedes that tricks of argument, fallacious appeals will frequently win the day.
Since at least the “W” era, if not the Gingrich era before it, I’ve settled on a statement that is one useful way of characterizing our polarized electorate: It appears that Republicans are as good, if not just slightly better, at persuading people of things that are NOT happening, than Democrats persuading people of things that are. The Rove/Luntz axis of messaging evil was famously adept.
So, Dan, I want to believe that the best messages are true ones. But at this particular time with the cross currents and amplification of social media, I believe that some serious effort needs to be put into artfully crafting Democrats “true” messages, not to mention the delivery. This particular Biden campaign message is a start. But there’s so much more that can be done.
“He only cares about himself” cuts through party and ideology and gives voters many ways to interpret the statement (all negative) that don’t rely on agreeing with us on any specific policy point. Great message, now let’s go win this thing!!!
As a person who wants the i's dotted, the t's crossed and the practice to match the theory—a nerd—I find this analysis and explanation of the Biden campaign's messaging enormously relieving and helpful. Not that it's going to win him the election, but Biden is also a much smarter campaigner. This is the succinct essence of the argument against Trump. Well done, and thanks for explaining the Message Box term, Dan!
Yes--the "message box" makes excellent sense. A good way to sharpen and focus. Of course--it comes down to what you put into the boxes.
Excellent message, Dan. We can use this in any setting where we are reaching out to voters.
I loved hearing about the origins of The Message Box. As a communications professional who really wishes I'd applied it to politics instead of where I landed, it was fun to hear about the how you've approached communication strategy for campaigns. Another thing I love about this is how actionable it is for volunteers in the field. It's so easy to frame around most issues important to any voter. I can see it for the border (recent border bill), tax cuts (only his wealthy friends), etc.
What about healthcare? How to connect that to the message? Ideas? Maybe --
Trump pretended Covid would "magically" go away so he wouldn't look bad, and many thousands of Americans paid the ultimate price. He was responsible for the overturning of Roe v Wade which put millions of women's health at serious risk, did nothing to lower drug costs, and wants to repeal the ACA -- all because he only cares about rewarding the rich and the corporate donors who keep him in power. All Trump cares about is himself and staying in power; Biden is on the other side of all those health issues, fighting every day for us.
I worry this still overlooks the core dynamic in this race: strength vs weakness. The American people like strong men a lot more than the Democratic party seems comfortable with. Biden can't configure himself as able to fight for people if he doesn't seem like he can fight at all, and that's how most people I know perceive him. People in my circles don't want to hear about political maneuvering. They think the system is corrupt and broken, and they want a leader who will get things done. Trump throws out a million things he's going to do. We know they won't work, but the sense of action is alluring, especially in comparison to someone who has been made to seem rudderless, ineffective, and subject only to whichever way the wind is blowing. To be clear, I don't think this is true of Biden, but it's what virtually every person I know thinks of him. I think the age issue is a proxy for strength, and democrats seem to be flat footed on this question. That you guys still worry about Biden seeming too angry seems off the mark to me. I think any level of fired up will help him, and we need to stop worrying about the bygone era of respectability politics.
I think a lot of people have been poisoned by the right wing propaganda machine (which is much more dominant than content form the left or even the middle). I think Biden has to own his age and the infirmities that go along with it, and then draw the contrast. Physical strength is not relevant to governing (FDR, Governor Abbott from Texas are in wheelchairs); the ability and willingness to get things done is. Trump is a showman who uses his "strength" to make money for himself and stay in power. All he did as president was pass a giant tax cut for the wealthy and appoint judges who overturned Roe. Biden used his presidency to pull us out of Covid, pass the largest piece of climate legislation in history, lower drug prices, make huge investments in infrastructure (remember "infrastructure week?"), forgive student loans, shore up the NATO alliance, etc., etc. etc. Trump is "strong" maybe, but he's a do-nothing fake who is only out for himself. Biden is capable and committed to working for us -- as he's proven.
Great T shirt: Trump... a do nothing fake!! Go get some made!👍👍👍
I've been trying to think about how to talk about strength in terms of character, something along the lines of: rolling up your sleeves and working hard to help everyone live a better life takes strength; yelling about those you blame for your troubles does not. Do you think something like that might start to persuade your friends?
There are many kinds of strength--especially empathy. Toxic masculinity is also a type of "apparent" strength. But it is not strength. This is the core thesis in Ruth Ben-Ghiat's book STRONGMEN: MUSSOLINI TO THE PRESENT. They are not "strong." Yes--they are bullying authoritarians, mean, dishonest and violent, with a truckload of personal neuroses. It can look "strong" but that isn't what we should be calling it.
What a coinkydink.
Yes, I still peek into the fetid stream of twitter from time to time. And look at the first post awaiting me this morning - right around 40 seconds.
https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/1805925364327121253
Good on ya Mr. Kinzinger!
Melania's infamous "I don't care, do you" jacket was more telling and useful than we appreciated.
Yes, I absolutely agree that this is the best way to message the truth about Trump. I saw a video yesterday that was apparently from a private fundraiser in which Trump said to the crowd that “you’re all rich as hell and I’m gonna cut your taxes” and then he said something to the effect of we’re gonna pay off our debt. In that moment, I realized that he wants to cut taxes to pay his own debt. Because he’s such a narcissist I think he frequently means “I“ when he says “we“. Pretty much everything he says and does can be filtered through the lens of narcissism.
I am morbidly curious to see how the debate goes. I have to say that I'm very glad Biden is choosing this option - it inclusive of all Trump's sins, and doesn't focus in on any too much. Now that Trump has been saying he's wounded and has taken more hits than any president in history, there is an opportunity for a Biden PAC to run an ad that shows past presidents who have been shot and murdered (maybe too much?) as opposed to being justly prosecuted.
I have to say, I went down a rabbit hole yesterday - if you call reading Snopes' Twitter feed - apparently they are saying that Trump didn't say there were fine people on both sides, which he clearly did. It is out of context, but the context isn't great, either.
Beware of rabbit holes! I have to push back myself.
I think it’s a powerful message that resonates because it’s true. My only worry (well, today’s worry) is that the part about Biden running because he cares about you and your family can be undercut with, “Biden’s running out of ego. If he really cared about you and your family he’d have stepped down after one term, as he implied he would, and made room for someone who’s not in their 80s.”
It’s maybe not fair, as almost every president seeks a second term, but hard for me not to think some will go there.
If Trump's team says that, we can rebut with "You have always hoped he would step down, because you know he beat you before and he'll beat you again."
Dan! I’m doing the Democratic freak out re: the NYT polls. I said to myself don’t freak out until you hear from Dan... so whaddya think? I hate the way they constantly needle Biden like it’s so personal and vindictive. Jesus it’s like wtf let it go....already....
Thank you Dan. This helps cut down on my anxiety. BUT--I still remind myself despite the high stakes on Thursday evening--there is a long way to go. The election is neither won, or lost tomorrow night. We just want a good night. I really hope Trump helps us out by being himself. I am a bit worried that the rules, although wise (making for a "better" debate) could help to soften Trump's worst traits. Oh well--just another reason I will worry until its over! The President needs to make the case.
I’m new to Message Box. Thank you for the MB origin story! I’m a fan of the thoughtfulness Dan brings to the Democrats.
I want to take a tangent from this piece because something I’m obsessed with caught my eye. “First, the best messages are the true ones.” I love this, but I worry about it. For starters, Socrates, in Plato’s Gorgias, famously concedes to Gorgias that he doesn’t like his own chances debating a sophist such as Gorgias using simply the truth to persuade the mob. (I’m paraphrasing.) He concedes that tricks of argument, fallacious appeals will frequently win the day.
Since at least the “W” era, if not the Gingrich era before it, I’ve settled on a statement that is one useful way of characterizing our polarized electorate: It appears that Republicans are as good, if not just slightly better, at persuading people of things that are NOT happening, than Democrats persuading people of things that are. The Rove/Luntz axis of messaging evil was famously adept.
So, Dan, I want to believe that the best messages are true ones. But at this particular time with the cross currents and amplification of social media, I believe that some serious effort needs to be put into artfully crafting Democrats “true” messages, not to mention the delivery. This particular Biden campaign message is a start. But there’s so much more that can be done.
Omg Dan talk us off the ledge. This is just too stressful, existential.. just about to panic
But how much do tv ads move the needle in a presidential race - especially in such polarized conditions where both candidates are so well known?