Archive for June, 2007

Traditional arguments for competition and free markets go something like this: let the markets work, this will lead to more choice, better value and improved service. Competition is generally perceived as a good thing. Politicians have often used this argument to “open up” government run businesses such as the old […]

You know you’ve heard it. The dreaded “liberal media” label that has sent scores of journalists scurrying to defend themselves against accusations of bias. Conservatives love the liberal media frame because it has been tremendously effective for them. Rather than deal directly with an argument, just dismiss it as liberal. […]

Whatever happened to James Carville’s slogan from the Clinton years? Has the Iraq war dominated all discussion? Is the economy so good right now that we don’t have to worry about it? Is it no longer the economy, stupid? I don’t believe either of these statements are true. But what […]

One of the things that people remember most about the Reagan years was his push for smaller government. This Republican mantra has served the party well because people believe in it. In fact, in many ways, it defines what it means to be a Republican. Whether Republicans are actually creating […]

Democratic presidential hopefuls were asked what their top priority was in a recent CNN debate. Here’s a sampling of responses:

• Edwards: “travel the world” and “re-establish America’s moral authority.”
• Clinton: bring home U.S. troops from Iraq.
• Obama: bring home U.S. troops and push for national health care.
• New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson: upgrade U.S. schools and push a $40,000-a-year minimum wage for teachers.

The majority of people believe that the war in Iraq is not being run or managed well. When discussing the Iraq War, a winning platform would be to emphasize a “successful end” to the war.

Rich Galen, former communications director for Newt Gingrich, recently compared the Democrats fight to fund the Iraq War with the newly elected Republican house of 1995. His point was that both parties tried to set the agenda and introduce change by using the “will of the American people” argument. Newly elected leaders say things like they have a “mandate” from the people because a majority just voted for them. Political capital, they call it.

At first blush, this site may seem like it’s about politics. In a sense it is, but more importantly it’s about frames – or ways to articulate a vision, belief, or value. If George Bush understands one thing, it’s that the President sets the vision. Have you ever seen him […]