Reassessing the Opposition Model

11:08 pm EST August 1st, 2005 | Politics | 6 Comments

That’s fancy talk for saying something simple. I’ve been wondering that, instead of Democrats repeatedly being dismayed that the Republicans are doing the wrong thing (“We’re disappointed that President Bush chose to circumvent congress in the appointment of John Bolton”), why don’t we just call bullshit on bullshit (“The President once again demonstrates that Republicans will do anything to get their unqualified allies into positions of power”)?

In one version we seem like the well mannered relative who’s only slightly perturbed, in the other we seem like we actually kind of care about America.

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6 Responses to “Reassessing the Opposition Model”

  1. neoconsrloopy says:
    August 2, 2005 at 6:08 am

    Congressional Democrats have to talk tougher, unfortunately many of them are afraid of upsetting Mr. Delay and Mr. Rove (I’m talking to you Biden and Lieberman).

    I’m a little upset that noone can use the “L” word in the Democratic party, seems like it would fit most Republicans like a glove.

  2. pionar says:
    August 2, 2005 at 10:08 am

    neocons, you mean lesbian?

    Seriously, what “L” word are you talking about? If it’s loser, then yeah.

  3. neoconsrloopy says:
    August 2, 2005 at 12:08 pm

    I was thinking of “liar”, actually.

  4. White Whale says:
    August 2, 2005 at 1:08 pm

    Good point Oliver. I don’t think you have to be outrageous to get a point across, but the preverbial sand kicking and pouting makes Dems look weak. Dems should call out Bush for not bringing Bolton to a vote. It is a win-win for Dems.

  5. scratch says:
    August 2, 2005 at 4:08 pm

    Dems should call out Bush for not bringing Bolton to a vote.

    That’s a very interesting statement, and at the same time quite amusing.

  6. Homer says:
    August 4, 2005 at 4:08 pm

    Oliver.. Weren’t you the guy who was complaining about that ‘framing’ fad that was sweeping liberaldom after the election?
    :-)

    Declarative, active (as opposed to passive), short, to the point.

    ‘We’re disappointed…’ could yield a reaction of ‘So what if you’re disappointed?’ And from there, there’s nothing else to say, other than a pointless shouting match.

    ‘The President demonstrates…’ frames the president as having demonstrated whatever it was you said he demonstrated. He’s the one who’s stuck now, or more accurately those who’d wish to debate it with you. They have to show how what the president did wasn’t actually a demonstration of… whatever. So they’re the one making excuses for someone harming America.

    That’s how framing works.