Sound Byte Wars: Why "Bittergate" Will End Up Helping Obama...

[writes3000]

Let's face it. Most Americans suffer from short attention spans. Especially when it comes to politics. We want our info in tiny, bite sized pieces which we can consume in 10 seconds or less.

This is where the sound byte comes in. Just a few choices words to frame your story. If you can condense your story into seven or eight words, you may actually influence a lot of people. Some examples.

"Al Gore claims he invented the internet."

"Kerry says uneducated soldiers get sent to Iraq."

"Obama's racist pastor preached "God Damn America".

"Clinton's claims she ducked sniper fire are lies."

So what's the thumbnail story of "Bittergate"?

1) "Obama claims small town Americans are bitter."

But small town Americans are bitter. They will hear this sound byte and agree with Obama.

2) "Obama says small town Americans cling to religion."

Small town Americans do cling to religion. In fact, many say their faith is the most important thing to them. Again, they will agree with Obama.

3) "Obama says small town Americans cling to guns."

Guess what? Most small town Americans don't want to lose the right to bear arms. Obama wins again.

AND as a bonus, Hillary Clinton and John McCain are framing themselves on the wrong side of this issue.

"Americans aren't bitter!" "Americans aren't angry!" "Americans are happy and hopeful these days!"

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Tonally deaf.

Have they forgotten this is a "change" election?

Thanks for the help, Hillary and John. Please keep it up. Obama's message just went triple stereo.

[PetrusMonsFormicarum]

1. We are seeing the end of

Prozac Nation.

The Powers don't like this sort of discussion--an acknowledgment of the way an increasing majority of us feel. That is why it's being treated as a gaffe, and why Obama's opponents they are so dismissive of the sentiment. But it's true.

They like that worse.

[writes3000]

2. The media have underestimated the electorate repeatedly this primary season...

I think your assessment is right.