Framing the Debate in the Closing Days

From Jeffrey Feldman of the Frameshop comes an insightful commentary today:

"Suddenly, following a week of relentless 'culture war' attacks form the McCain campaign, the entire media is shifting to a new line of discussion: the idea that these attacks from the McCain campaign impede the pragmatic conversation about getting things done.

As for the McCain campaign, having invested 100% of his framing in the old 'culture war' concept--particularly by his nomination of Sarah Palin--McCain has embraced ideological attacks over pragmatic problem solving. And from now until November, if McCain continues to re-emphasize the 'culture war' frame, by the debates the electorate will be so tired of squabbling over cultural issues that they will be clamoring for discussion of 'real' problems and 'real' concerns.

What I emphasize in the conclusion of Outright Barbarous, (his new book) and what I also see in this phase of the 2008 Presidential election is a re-voicing of 'pragmatism' as a central concern amongst American voters. Pragmatism--a desire to understand and 'solve real problems'--is always present in the minds of Americans, but it quickly gets buried by violent and salacious rhetoric in the debate. Now that pragmatism is upon us again, and Democrats would be smart to see it, and really run with it from now until November. 'Solve real problems' is not just a theme du jour in the media. It is the core America worldview and the full realization of the early framing of the Obama campaign. It is the rhetorical path to victory for Democrats in November."

Howard Fineman, Mark Halperin and other respected observers believe the Democrats are on the defensive or, at best, off their game. Fineman's new Newsweek column spells out mistakes the Obama campaign has made.

One of our own sage observers, Dan Everett of Boston, reminded me this morning that "John McCain can't win as Sarah's sidekick." Obama's tough talk yesterday---including the second invocation of the term "Enough"---signals a tougher (but not angry) posture post 9-11, according to campaign insiders. There is a growing sense that the virtual unwillingness of the McCain campaign to discuss in a serious discussion of issues has its limits, and will probably end at the September 26 debate if not before. Pragmatism is not a sexy campaign phrase, but its a damned good way for a serious candidate to present their case.....let's hope its contagious.

- Richard Holcomb