… For decades, Republican conservatives have constructed and carried out extensive, well-planned, long-term communication campaigns to change public discourse and the way the public thinks. It has been done very effectively and, for the most part, not secretly. … I have always suggested to progressives to know their values and […] Read more »
Defining the Opponent
Elections are about choices. Beyond defining themselves, successful candidates also define opponents by framing the choice facing voters in a favorable way and then creating a clear contrast within that frame. If Democrats aim to become synonymous with “reasonable solutions,” then how best to characterize Republicans? Specifically, what is the most […] Read more »
Does immigration reform ‘sound’ better in 2013 than 2007?
Immigration was last in the public eye – at least for more than a few days – from mid-2005 through mid-2007. That period saw the introduction (and eventual failure) of major immigration legislation, several immigration speeches by President George W. Bush, dozens of rallies and protests across the country, the […] Read more »
Low information or high morality?
… [T]he assumption here is that even “low-information voters” will vote their economic interest if they get enough true economic facts and figures about their self-interest thrown at them. There is reason to doubt this. I recall a conversation I had with Richard Wirthlin, Ronald Reagan’s chief strategist. In Wirthlin’s […] Read more »
‘Framing’ Prevents Needed Stimulus
Why have so many teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public workers been laid off since the financial crisis hit — and why are so few being offered new jobs now? … It is not as if many Americans say they want this to happen. … Why, then, did governments […] Read more »
Matthew Nisbet Q&A: Framing Public Health Issues
… According to new research … talking about the environmental consequences of climate change may not convince the unconvinced—while talking about the public health consequences might have a better chance. [cont.] NewPublicHealth, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Read more »