Comments on: Death By Focus Group

By: KD

KD — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:08:58 +0000

Sticking with a misleading line seems to be the MSM way. Several years ago the newspapers were widely and incorrectly characterizing a form of stock market trading that was the rage among Wall Street firms, so as to create among the public a wildly inaccurate understanding. I did this specialized trading for a major firm. When I contacted Wall Street Journal reporters to point out the problem, the told me that yes, they knew the characterization was wrong, but it would just confuse people to start reporting it correctly. Do they teach this at journalism school? Seriously. It seems to be the industry standard.

By: Moon

Moon — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:52:57 +0000

I am at a loss as to why supporters of this procedure haven’t come out to explain the major reason for this late term option. It is my understanding that the main purpose was to abort severly hydrocephalic fetuses. At least that is what President Clinton said when explaining his veto. Of course the fact that there is no protection for women in the bill was also mentioned. I am pro choice, but saw no reason to destroy a late term fetus that could be safely removed, thereby eliminating the hazard to the mother. Once I heard the explanation about the procedure it started to make sense. Why have the womens groups been so silent about this?

By: Realist

Realist — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:08:24 +0000

Next time you hear it, please raise your hand and object.

Or better yet, cancel your subscription and/or write a letter explaining why you will no longer patronize the establishment where you heard it.

Vote with your pocketbook - it’s the only language your opponents understand. They don’t really care if what they say or write pisses you off as long as you keep reading, watching, or listening.

But they’ll care if you no longer patronize them. An example: Maureen Dowd. If half the New York Times’ subscriber base cancelled their subscriptions because they were sick of her bullshit, her skinny little ass would be out on the sidewalk just like that, and you can take that to the bank.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:22:33 +0000

Partially born again X-ians don’t believe in “thou shalt not kill” when it comes to ferners.

By: T-bird

T-bird — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 05:59:12 +0000

We have to examine why we progressive, intelligent, witty, literate writers and bloggers and citizens have been continually crushed and blown away by the Orwellian language contraptions the Right spews out with ease. Why aren’t we putting our minds and time and PR people into coming up with some counter-smoke? Doesn’t “Cut and Run” really stand for “Cutting taxes for the wealthy and running up the deficit”? Whatever their bullshit slogans are, we should have an equally effective and pithy retort. 75% of the battle is the battle over who controls the language. With the skills we have I believe we can “take back the language” if we put some significant effort into it.

By: The Oracle

The Oracle — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 05:14:51 +0000

Let it be written in all American history books from this day forward that Kennedy is the Abortion Supreme Court Justice…or the Supreme Abortion Court Justice…or the Supreme Court Abortion Justice.

No, not the anti-abortion supreme court justice, but the Abortion Supreme Court Justice who just endangered the lives of all pregnant women in American, no matter what their political or religious affiliation, and made it much more likely that illegal, dangerous abortions will be performed…as happened in the past in America before Roe vs. Wade.

Heckuva job, Kennedy. Heckuva job.

By: Bluetoe

Bluetoe — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 01:00:38 +0000

Lazy journalists indeed! The MSM has betrayed the American people in their pursuit of profits and celebrityhood. They are members of the ruling elite and will do what is necessary to protect their position of priviledge and power. There will be a reckoning for these propagandists of American tyranny. Maybe Rove, Russert, Novak, Hume et al can do a version of Rapmaster K in the federal pen.

By: John W

John W — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 01:00:35 +0000

“We’re getting killed by focus groups and lazy journalists.”

You forgot to mention the self inflicted wounds caused by gutless, useless, and clueless politicians who supposedly represent us but aren’t willing to put up a fight.

By: Puesto

Puesto — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:56:17 +0000

New Spin Dagger… Giuliani… This will backfire on him as trying to get the voter to politicize security, IMNSHO:

Giuliani warns of ‘new 9/11′ if Dems win
http://www.politico.com/news/s...../3684.html

By: spocko

spocko — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:06:34 +0000

Language is very important in a lot of these public relations games.

I’ll give us a few suggestions.

Never ignore the power of rhyme.
“If the doesn’t fit, you must acquit”

And when you hear a word or phrase that “works” USE it. Do you think that the smears about John Edward as the B G was used just once? No. Someone heard it, thought it was neat and used it again. And again. And again.

So that said, here is one that I just heard (it think from a right winger!) and I think we can all use:

Weather Vane McCain

This will be the “flip-flop” for John McCain.
This can replace “The Maverick” image.
I think I’ll go to a rally wearing a weather Vain on my head!