Comments on: I’m A What!??

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:19:06 +0000

Can I give Wayne some props for this? This is a remarkably enlightening post. It clarifies the arguments in this election very well. Both Russ and Peter make excellent cases for Obama.

I think Russ’s talking points reference the “big picture” effectively, while Peter’s target an individual in more material(istic) terms.

It might take a few more probing questions to determine which approach affects a swing voter.

Regardless, I’ll try to memorize both in case I find myself talking to an uncommitted voter in the next two months.

By: Peter

Peter — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:28:53 +0000

1. He will lower YOUR taxes. Obama’s tax plan cuts taxes for 90% of Americans and, according to independant research groups, will lower middle class taxes more than McCain’s plan.

2. He can fix the economy the Republicans broke. He has a detailed plan that would include addressing energy issues, extending health care coverage, holding wealthy companies accountable to pay their share and do their part, and making college more accesible. His plan is very different than what the Republicans did to get us in this mess (the same thing they think will help us get out of it) and he would pay for it with a portion of the money saved by bringing our troops home and ending the $10 million per month bailout to the Iraqi government.

3. He represents our values. He will open up new lines of stem cell research to help find cures for diseases like MS and Parkinsons. The next president will have the opportunity to appoint at least 2 Supreme Court justices and Obama will make sure his choices protect a woman’s right to choose.

There are my three “talking points.” I have chosen each of them because they speak to where Obama is strongest in polls. In every poll I have seen, he is perceived by most Americans as stronger than McCain on taxes, all issues related to the economy, and on social issues. If you want to reach undecideds, speak to what they believe are his strengths. Oh, and don’t bother with catch phrases. They sometimes sound good coming from politicians but they never do coming from regular folks.

By: Russ

Russ — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:18:43 +0000

1. “Fat Cats for McCain”. Ask yourself who has benefited from Republican rule; the rich and big business. U.S. jobs have shifted oversees to the benefit of big business, oil companies have made record profit while receiving tax subsidies from U.S. taxpayers. The upper 5% have gotten richer at the expense of everyone else. Are you really better off with McCain?
2. “Let’s distract the dumb masses…” Republicans have scared Americans with the threat of socialized medicine (a.k.a. universal health care), the threat of higher minimum wages costing Americans jobs and so on. Do you really believe this stuff or do you want to live in a country that provides universal health care and fare wages? You don’t see any of the Republicans living on what they say is a fair wage.
3. “I’m broke but at least gay’s can’t get married!”. If the above arguments don’t persuade you to vote for Obama and the idea of a black man as President is something you can’t swallow, I guess you’ll have the opportunity to think back on your vote when your company has outsourced your job, you can’t afford to drive your SUV and you are bankrupt from unanticipated health care cost.