And, of course, there is a subtext to each of the inanities in McGavick's commercials. They all have been focus-grouped and market-tested. For example, in one press release expressing his "disappointment" (I bet) that Cantwell had voted against some tax cut, McGavick says, "This isn't about Senator Cantwell." It's about "partisan nonsense." Cantwell is (the headline says), "Following Party Over State's Interests."
Now ask yourself: Why would she do that? Why would she put her party's interests over those of her Washington state constituents? Who cares enough about either party to actually put their own political futures at peril? Answer: no one. Taken literally, the charge is absurd. But it's not meant to be taken literally. It is just part of the miasma of themes and images that political professionals create around candidates. Cantwell is popular, partisanship is not. So blame partisanship and not Cantwell. Be for "families." Be for "change." Be against "Washington, D.C." and "lobbyists."
The media do a better and better job each election cycle at pointing out and analyzing these campaign constructs. But by doing so, in a way, they legitimize it all. By raising up the subtext, they diminish the importance of the text. Don't be naive: You're not supposed to take this stuff literally. Politicians are trying to push your buttons. They aren't trying to communicate with you.
Take a look at the rest.
No comments:
Post a Comment