Even though I am an Obama supporter, one of the earliest volunteers in NH, I must say I respected the "tenacity" of Howard Wolfson. He was a master of the attack, and of managing spin. That is why I think his advice since the convention, has been spot on and is worthy of consideration. In today's The New Republic he gives this piece of advice. FORGET THE DEBATE FOCUS ON WINNING THE POST DEBATE SPIN
Forget about the debate. Focus on the spin. What really counts is who wins the debate over the debate.
Ok -- not really. The actual performances will matter -- but just as important will be the post-debate spin that shapes public perceptions of who won, who lost, and why.
This week, as the candidates prep for their on-air performances, their teams of rapid responders, communicators, and researchers are prepping for their critical roles behind the scenes. Their work will get comparatively little attention from the media this week -- but they will be crucial in determining who becomes our next President.
Do you remember the Clinton-Lazio debate in 2000? That was the one where Rep. Lazio invaded her space. Remember anything else?
How about the first Bush-Gore debate? Al Gore "sighed and lied." What else do you recall?
Clinton-Bush in 92? George Bush looked at his watch.
As a political junky I watched all these debates. I hate to admit it but as time has past these really are the moment I remember. Correction I listened to the Gore v. Bush debate on the radio. I though Gore had won handedly. It was only after listening to TV coverage the next day, I heard about the sighing. It was my own Kennedy v. Nixon moment.
These takeaways don't just occur in a vacuum -- campaign strategists make instant decisions during the debates themselves about what to highlight and focus on in the minutes, hours and days after the debate ends -- and will relentlessly deploy research, surrogates, and even advertising to drive that narrative home.
It begins with the post-debate spin rooms -- much derided by the media but still well attended by reporters -- in which operatives from each side rush out to to shape the immediate coverage. It continues on conference calls to give hundreds of surrogates across the nation their marching orders. And it plays out for days as candidates and staff weigh in on the stump and on cable tv.
We were stunned in 2000 when Rep. Lazio blustered over to Senator Clinton's podium and waved a piece of paper in her face, bellowing that she sign it. We were even more surprised when it became clear that reporters watching thought Lazio had won by staying on offense. We were in danger of losing a debate that we had won. During the next 24 hours we worked hard to make Lazio's actions a negative -- press conferences were scheduled around the state featuring outraged women condemning his actions. Surrogates and staff went on tv to say that he had looked menacing by approaching her. By the end of that week the consensus had shifted: it became clear that Lazio had lost and done himself immense harm.
We know how devastatingly effective the right-wing spin machine can be. We also know that the traditional media, in it never ending quest for balance, will report on what ever angle talk radio takes on these debate. Our mission on these next few day is to SPIN SPIN SPIN ad nauseum.
The groundwork is already there.
- John McCain is a liar, he needs to stick to the facts, and not create his own.
- John McCain is a product of yesteryear politics, and offers no knew solution, just more of the same.
- John McCain 2008 v. John McCain 2000.
- John McCain lacks the temperament to be commander in chief, and deal with tense situation abroad.
If John McCain fails to address any of these issue, are mission is to make sure it is in the media 24/7.
Ladies and Gentlemen start your spin machines.