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Obama Has to Tell the People McCain is Lying and Why.
Living in Spain as an American ex-pat it's somewhat easy for me to say that if McCain is elected, the country gets what it deserves; if it believes new versions of the same lies, it chooses its own fate. Seeing what I see and reading what I read on the Internet, it seems impossible that the polls are as close as they are, but it's been years since I watched mainstream news in any format other than clips on blogs. I don't know what mainstream America media is saying, but I doubt many Americans receive the sort of daily information that leaves them well informed. I would like to believe that if Americans received reliable information, the coming election would be a landslide. Obviously the information is out there, but most of it requires an Internet connection and time. The Obama campaign can't merely hope that enough people see the right reports on the news that correct the McCain campaign lies; they can't wait for a referee to accurately call all of the fouls. The last two presidential elections make that very obvious.
The problem for the Left is that it needs a referee. The McCain campaign is using lies as distraction on a daily basis. Every day brings a different lie in the attempt to muddy the water and avoid talking about the issues. But the lies can't stand. The media has actually started debunking the lies – some even starting to talk about the pattern of lies – but it's time for the Obama campaign to start talking about the pattern of lies while tying it to specific points: the difference in their tax plans and their health care plans, and by also mentioning McCain's past objection to the Bush tax cuts using his own quotes. At the same time the campaign needs to tell people where to get the information.
Obama should say specifically that he is not calling McCain a liar, but that for some reason McCain is lying about his tax plan, framing it something like the following, it doesn’t have to be this exactly but the general idea: defend against the lie, play offense by promoting the actual benefits of Obama's tax plan, while giving a possible motive for the lie, making it clear the degree to which McCain benefits both from the lie and his own tax plan. It also allows the campaign to start promoting better referees than the mainstream media.
Senator McCain says that you will pay more in taxes under my plan. But that's not true, McCain will pay more under my plan, I will pay more under my plan. Michelle and I are doing OK. I don't say it to brag, but I don't want to lie to you. I know that many of you are not, I know that many people across this country are struggling. So I'm willing to pay more in taxes, so that you can pay less.
For some reason, according to his tax plan, Senator McCain is not willing to do the same. Instead his campaign has lied about my tax plan. It might be because he would save about $350, 000 more under his plan than he would mine, but I don't know for sure, you should ask him.
And while you're asking him that, please also ask him why, when he said in 2001, “I cannot in good conscience support a tax cut in which so many of the benefits go to the most fortunate among us, at the expense of middle-class Americans who most need tax relief.”
Ask Senator McCain why he now wants to make those tax cuts permanent when middle-class Americans need tax relief even more urgently after the last seven years of Bush.
Now you don't have to believe me, you can look at the report from the non-partisan Tax Policy Center and then tell me which plan puts your needs first.
Obama should say something similar about his health plan. The theme should stay simple and should be repeated daily by Obama and his advocates everywhere in the country. There should be commercials that say the same thing and give the web addresses of the non-partisan sources, ending with Hari Sevugan's line, "John McCain would rather lose his integrity than lose an election."
Palin will become increasingly irrelevant as her lies, and her actual record in Alaska become a part of the larger narrative that McCain will do whatever is needed to become president. (They should also show the picture of "the embrace" with Bush as much as possible, and stop talking about him.)
If it is still somehow too delicate a thing to say that McCain is lying, then Obama can say the Republicans are lying. But that word has to be used, he has to call lies exactly what they are. The benefit is that Obama can remain charming while telling very pointed truths. It's not mudslinging, it's truth-telling. The downside is that anytime Obama or Biden make a mistake, the Right will pounce on it as a lie to further muddy the debate. But Obama and Biden can weather it by returning to the same points again and again, referencing them in the face of every accusation, like a Republican talking point, except with substance.
I don't want to be cynical, but one of my aunts voted for Bush in 2004 and she came to regret it. I know how she gets her information, the mainstream news narratives of Kerry were the fabric of her decision, a weave of half-truths and innuendo. That hasn't changed, despite the problems the country faces. The media has been focused on Palin and their repeated lies, the media needs to focus on why McCain would rather lie than talk about his actual proposals. The media will if Obama starts accurately calling lies what they are and offering the evidence.
I want to believe that people are just poorly informed, that if they know the differences there is no way for McCain to win even with the insecurity of the voting technology. But the cynic in me says the country is screwed.
Comments (15)
Excellent post.
September 14, 2008 7:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hope this gets rec'd enough to see some daylight; it is excellent. I've seen others with much less insight get on the list. Thanks for your thoughts.
BTW, I was getting an ulcer watching Tom Brokaw, et al for the 3rd time today; I am now watching a special on Luiano Pavarotti and I am feeling much better. I also know that tomorrow it won't make any difference that I did watch every dopey comment on the msm. I feel much better!
So why am I here? I am checking out right now!
Au Revoir!
September 14, 2008 8:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely fantastic post.
I have to say... I have seen a LOT of "strategy trolling" out there. What I mean is, I have seen a lot of people saying what Obama should do, and saying, "if he doesn't do it, he'll lose", etc., etc. A constant attack on his campaign and message in favor of their own. As if any of them have ever run a national political campaign.
But your post is probably the first that I have felt truly able to grasp a strategy that work would, and should be employed. I cannot think of a single thing I disagree with, including the hypothetical stump speech.
I can also relate to your thoughts on two other issues: the information voters are getting, and the attitude you feel toward the country. I, too, am idealistic enough to believe that it's simply a lack of information, or the wrong information, that brought so many people to vote for Bush in 2004, and that bring people to like McCain at this point.
But also, I truly understand your sentiments that if America elects McCain, it gets what it deserves. My dad is a citizen of Ireland, and so I can easily apply for a dual citizenship. I will be doing that, soon. If McCain wins, I don't honestly know how I can, in good conscience, continue to be a part of this country. It pains me. I love America. I love what it's given me. But I am tired. I am worn out. And I can't take it anymore. Four more years of the shit I've had to deal with for the past eight? It would be masochistic to stay if McCain gets elected.
September 14, 2008 11:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
We won't be far behind if such a horrible thing comes to pass. President McCain means my country has died and things are going to get ugly for everyone. I would prefer to spend that time in Provence if I can arrange it.
September 15, 2008 1:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hope more people read your post. It makes some excellent points.
Like your aunt, many of us grew up with a very different msm and a very different notion of ethics regarding campaigns and trust in our political leaders. Those habits die hard. Seeing the media grant equal weight to lies and opinion under the guise of "objectivity" and watching the Republicans shamelessly exploit this while the Democrats remain unable to respond effectively doesn't make you cynical only realistic. Cynicism would be to act like the McCain campaign and lie ourselves. Your suggestions are not cynical.
September 14, 2008 11:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent post!
I also agree about emphasizing his health plan. Although it will assuredly improve the lives of almost everyone, there is still significant public apprehension about "socialized medicine." Ads could emphasize how it would, contrary to widespread belief, expand choice and make sure no one is denied coverage because of preexisting conditions.
September 15, 2008 4:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
BrotherBeat's advice needs to reach the highest levels of Obama's campaign staff. Here's why. I have found over the last decade that politicians, PR men and women, and other assorted "spinners" have adopted the calculated strategy of looking someone straight in the eye (literally or figuratively) and lying. It's remarkably hard to counter. That's because there is a real difficulty in dealing with such a boldface tactic without degenerating into the schoolyard "am not, are too" debate, which serves no one and doesn't scotch the lie. It also just leaves people who are the targets of the lie or lies sputtering at the unfairness and amoral calculation behind such a tactic. And, be certain, it *is* calculated.
What has to happen by those who want to counter those lies are rebuttals with very specific details. Trust me, it works. It requires a lot of diligent work and research. But it is really the only way to successfully rebut a baldfaced, intentional, calculated lie. With an intentional, calculated, documented truth. People do listen as long as the truth is "just the facts, ma'am," clear, and easy to understand.
People will get it. They just need help. But Sen. Obama and the campaign need to deliver that message in town hall meetings and in large rallies and on the stump. Because so many people don't have the time, the background, the knowledge or the wherewithall to get the facts they need.
The campaign also has to tell the voters why they should care about the lies. Here's a perfect example. One of the issues that I think may help to move Americans most in countering McCain's shockingly blatant and simplistic lies is health care. Quite simply, John McCain's plan is a plan that includes treating health care benefits that employees now receive that are partially paid for by their employers as additional income. People, that's HUGE. It means employees will pay even more for health care, and that, as additional income, it could kick workers into higher tax brackets where they pay even more money (despite McCain's promise of allowing deductions.) I understand McCain is proposing some kind of offset in the way of a tax deduction. But in the tax code right now, health care expenses (above a certain dollar amount) are already deductible (if you itemize). And who can afford to "lend" the government money by having health care bennies taxed and withheld from pay checks for a year to 18 months before they can offset it on their incomes taxes? Much less the taxes employees may face if they find themselves suddenly in a higher tax bracket.
Another example turns on the military. McCain has said he's going to expand the military. Not how. Just that he'll do it. Sound like a plan? Except for the fact that we have national guardsmen and reserves making up the bulk of America's "volunteer" army -- many on their second, third and fourth tours of Iraq. We don't have enough troops now. Enlistments are low. Exactly how is he going to expand the military? A draft? (there are youtube video snippets to suggest he has/or will consider it.) That's huge, too. I know a lot of mom's of nearly draft age sons that are already beginning to worry.
those are clear, clean details that should cause people to catch their breath. I'm sure that the campaign and readers, contributors to this website can think of others.
John Kerry's convention speech (which most of the networks did *not* carry) should be the model for Democratic rebuttals. John McCain then/John McCain now. Sharp, clear and full of specific, punchy details.
Oh yeah, and y'all just have got to think in sound bites.
September 15, 2008 11:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Need a lie counter.
September 15, 2008 1:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's my question to John McCain:
Earlier in the election you said you do not know much about economics, but you plan to read Greenspan's book to correct that failing, have your read Greenspan's book yet?
September 15, 2008 1:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not too good at following through on his plans is my guess.
September 15, 2008 2:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
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September 15, 2008 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent post, and well written, which shows clarity of thought.
Especially important point:
"Palin will become increasingly irrelevant as her lies, and her actual record in Alaska become a part of the larger narrative that McCain will do whatever is needed to become president."
Either drop Palin altogether, or tie her to McSame. The commonality between them: lying.
At the moment, it appears health care is the #1 concern for most in the US. It's also a more constructive topic than others -- it looks on the sunny side.
But that is the best "strategy" in every instance: rebut the lie, ask why the campaign is telling lies, ask why McSame is avoiding the issues, state one's position on one of the issues.
September 15, 2008 2:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think this is an interesting post but like so many on these sites, it muddies the waters a little bit.
(1) Every candidate changes positions, including McCain and Obama. They have to do it to get support of political groups and alliances.
(2) Every politician is running a campaign by creating a contrast between himself and an opponent. And every politician is pointing to past position changes as flip-flopping, because they help define the opposition.
(3) Every presidential election this century and probably earlier, has been described as:
- the "critical" election, stakes couldn't be higher
- fixing Washington
- lobbyists and corruption
(4) Republicans have been running on limited government and tax cutting since the 1920s. Democrats have been running on regulation since the 1930s, protection of RoeWade since the 1970s and the economy as long as the oldest meme.
What it means is that the most dominant pressure groups have aligned themselves with two political parties and we are dealing with a pendulum swing.
That's why power changes hands in Congress and WH like clockwork - unless the voting coalition is as huge as FDR was able to build.
In the end, the country is better off because parties compete for votes and unless they deliver they get kicked out.
Because of this, it's a little silly to talk about "lies" and "moral unfitness" unless there is a criminal issue involved.
The question of modern political campaign is the question of marketing a believable narrative and character that creates a strong enough pull.
That's why I always have a problem with Republicans screaming (and most critically - believing!) that Hillary was Evil personified, just as left blogs are screaming now that McCain is morally unfit. At least, the thinking people.
McCain and Obama are competing for votes in the context of political parties and shifting messaging from opponents.
In that context, I disagree that Obama should be focusing on "lies" and "dishonor" at all. Amerian public already learned to distrust the politicians taking down their opponents. Negative campaigning works only on two conditions:
- poor response from an opponent
- it has to fit the image of the candidate who's using it
It's because of this that I think today's economic news is a far far far better way for Obama to turn things around.
Focusing on lies will drop a few points on McCain's favorability ratings, but will also give him an openining of running ads that Obama is a typical 100% bitter partisan.
September 15, 2008 3:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lalo35adm
I agree with much of what you say, but I think you miss a few central points. The campaign needs to better control the narrative in order to discuss the qualitative differences in the health and tax plans, with the American public, through the media. That remains somewhat impossible when the narrative advances no further than, "they are lying"—which is the obviously cynical ploy of the McCain campaign. (I’m honestly surprised by the degree to which the media has started to move beyond s/he said to calling the lies what they are.) The piece that seems to be missing is the reason for their repeated lying, not just about one thing, but everything. Cui bono (to whose benefit)? The idea is to suggest that there are possible motives for the lies. It is not negative campaigning to point out that McCain and Obama will do better under McCain’s plan than most Americans will. It's true. It’s also true that the “former” lobbyists who direct his campaign will benefit much more under McCain’s tax plan than Obama’s, as will everyone who benefited most under Bush’s. It just seems to me that Americans will make better choices if they are encouraged to move beyond the cynical thinking that all politicians lie, to asking who benefits more from lying. The thing that seems strangest to me is that they also seem to need to be encouraged to look beyond personality battles to the substance of the proposals that two very different candidates have offered them.
On your last point, I couldn’t disagree more. The Obama campaign can’t worry about what the Republicans will say, because as we’ve seen, they will say anything. I’m struck by the frightening reality that it will get much worse and much more vile. Obama’s campaign needs to immunize itself for the toxic crap that will come. They need people to remember that one candidate benefits much more from lying than the other.
September 15, 2008 5:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good thoughts, here's where I think we see things differently:
- Election campaigns are a kind of a ritual dance. If you go back and pull up the old speeches, you will discover that they have always been talking about the same thing. Always! Both Republicans and Democrats. The process of campaigning itself has nothing to do with the process of actual governing or addressing specific issues. A presidential candidate is a kind of an "agent" for the voting blocs his party assembles and they have to convince voters that what they propose is the best thing since sliced bread. The problem is these candidates don't actually come up with these proposals on their own. They are "actors", representing specific groups.
- Because of this, any election campaign is an evaluation of character and strength: will this candidate work for himself or the people, will this candidate be able to govern, will this candidate be able to deal with problems, etc, etc.
- A negative attack provides a voter a crucial clue about the strength and character of an opponent. Particularly in how he responds to such negative ad. In a way, it has nothing to do with the content. Forceful response is a fashionable practice these days because the conventional wisdom holds it that wimps who complained of lying opposition have always lost. Bush I, Dole, Kerry, etc, etc, etc, etc.
So yes, of course they have to worry about what the Republicans say about him. But the last thing they want is for people to hink Obama is a cry-baby, flailing his arms any time the going gets tough.
September 15, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
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