In 1992 James Carville orchestrated a brilliant spin campaign about an improving economy to help Bill Clinton defeat George H.W. Bush. Through talking points and media spin an economic recovery was positioned as the worst economy since the Great Depression. George H.W. Bush’s team was unable to defend itself.
Fast forward to the 2012 election. For some reason Mitt Romney and his handlers failed to pound home the economic message in a truly abysmal economy. Now we are in 2014 with more working age Americans unemployed than at any time in our history, food, health care and energy costs skyrocketing under Democrat policies, low interest rates crushing the savings of the elderly, large numbers of Americans shifted from full time to insecure part time employment, and entire industries under assault by regulatory authors.
Where is the Republican drumbeat about the worst economy since the Great Depression? Silence. It is the perfect issue to resonate with millions of working Americans scared they will lose their jobs or they cannot make ends meet due to inflation. Instead of pouncing on the issue they are letting Obama control the economic issue through demands for an increase in the minimum wage as well as false claims his policies have created 9 million jobs.
A unified party, pounding the ruling party for its abysmal economic performance as well as the healthcare debacle should win in a walk. However, the Republican establishment has no message and seems determined to let the ruling party control the conversation. Unless the Republicans come up with a message and communications strategy 2014 will be another lost opportunity, like 2012.
“A unified party, pounding the ruling party for its abysmal economic performance as well as the healthcare debacle should win in a walk. However, the Republican establishment has no message and seems determined to let the ruling party control the conversation. Unless the Republicans come up with a message and communications strategy 2014 will be another lost opportunity, like 2012.”
An excellent and perceptive post. The Republicans can’t even seem to attack on the lack of full-time work due to 0care and its 30 hour minimum.
We need a giant infusion of energy from the Tea Party. The Establishment Republicans can take a hike.