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Obama Does Speak Substance

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Message Gail Minor
I have heard Barack Obama spell out his plans for America and I am impressed and excited. The changes he speaks of are not only inspiring...they hold the promise of a brand new start for US citizens and our nation. That is big!

Senator Hillary Clinton has a different take on this that she shares with the world every chance she gets. Over and over again, she points out in her speeches that Barack Obama speaks well, but says nothing and does not have a plan for our nation. And for that reason, we should be concerned and not allow ourselves to be swept away with his empty words.

I teach Communications Theory at the college level. I understand the PR practice of floating an idea, repeating it over and over again, and how that effectively makes its way into our belief system. After hearing it so many times, the audience takes this information (no matter how flawed) and accepts it as truth--gospel. Senator Clinton has floated the idea that Senator Obama speaks well, but does not offer substance or real plans. Her argument has been picked-up by some media agencies and they use it in the form of a people poll. After hearing this issue over and over again,the individual who may half-heartedly listen to Senator Obama's presentations begin to take Senator Clinton's rhetoric as fact.

Senator Barack Obama has included his ideas on a number of things on his website. It is easy to understand the spirit and character of this man by reading his book, "The Audacity of Hope." But the passive listener--which makes up the bulk of audiences--will not get the book or listen for lengthy messages. We are looking for quick and easy sound bites to grab us. A lengthy speech is too cumbersome...too much for us with our busy schedules and short attention spans. So we miss everything that is not a bite. We retain only short bits. And we most successfully retain bites that are negative, because negative is much more sexy...which explains te Clinton Campaign's success on this front and why people are starting to repeat the misinformation that Obama does not present a plan.

One of the things that Senator Obama talks about is the old guard and their old way of dong things...and how it is time for a change. Some things however don't change, especially campaign techniques that are proven effective. Sen. Clinton is a pro as it relates to the launching of negative bites that stick. She also reminds us that campaigning and politics is a very ugly, vicious undertaking. It is understandable why Jehovah Witnesses will not participate in the process. It can bring out the worst in candidates...and campaigning by definition seems to require you to tear down your fellow human being...your opponent.

Senator Obama is an agent for change. Perhaps he can capsulize one or two of his sexiest plans and turn them into to a 10-second bite/mantra. We know repeating works...let see if He can change the conversation to Obama has solid, substantive plans for change. YES WE CAN!
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Former Television News Reporter and Talkshow host who currently works in public relations and serves as a communications professor. However journalism and politics remains in her blood and on her plate. Gail also operates a political blog and (more...)
 
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