A CNN article today says the Democrats plan to shadow Bush’s campaign travel with critical ads. The purpose is rather obvious; Democrats would like to grab a little attention for the economy. There’s nothing particularly new or interesting about this tactic. If I had to put a word to it, I’d call it “standard.” CNN, however, misses an opportunity to explore something politically useful in this situation, e.g. explain the policy differences, explore the merits of war and economy as campaign issues, explain how and why Democrats chose to use this tactic, or interpret the rhetorical tactics and spin of the individual ads compared to policy. What we get is he-said, she-said. Democratic national Chairman Terry McAuliffe said this and White House spokeswoman Claire Buchan said that. Useless.
The Rhetorica Network
I offer commentary on the rhetoric of the American conversation, especially as it unfolds in documentary film, the news media, and politics. Check out my feeds on Twitter and Instagram. Also be sure to see my work at Carbon Trace Productions, a non-profit documentary film studio in Springfield, Missouri. I am a Professor of Media & Journalism at Missouri State University. I teach classes in mobile journalism and documentary filmmaking.
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