Image Games at Stupid Stadium
This year’s presidential campaign is being played out in Stupid Stadium. That’s why it doesn’t matter if Sara Palin gets every answer wrong in her interviews this week, or the press conferences and debates to follow. Because the people that the Republicans are appealing to are not listening to the words. They’re watching images. They see a feisty, spunky, pretty lady who’s got gumption.
These “swing voters,” “undecideds,” and “independents” have to be kind of dense: how else could they not have an opinion after all that’s happened in the last eight years? Obviously the facts and issues don’t speak to them. Rove and his Mad Men discovered long ago that images and identity speak to them.
That’s why it doesn’t matter what the candidates say, just how they come across. McCain is the wizened warrior, a hero. Palin is the tough but feminine hockey mom. Obama is, well, the brainy black guy who grew up in Hawaii but might as well be from Mars.
Who do you think will wow ‘em in Stupid Stadium?
Richard Schecky Fischer said:
on October 25, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Hi MJ
I must say it was a nice trip and thanks again for driving. I hope all is well and I’m hoping you will give a call. I think the Ross movie taken up at the house in Lynchburg would be very entertaining. Let me know when your going back to the beach so i can remind you to bring the old camcorder home.
Cheers,
Richard