Older Americans and Independent voters “Beware of the Republican Promises”
Republicans have changed their strategy and moved to the center in the final weeks. Their control of media has allowed them to split their message and direct a different message to different audiences.
At one point Social Security and Medicare was considered a liability to Mitt Romney and the Republican Party due to Paul Ryan being on the ticket. This appears to be shifting. Poll numbers suggest it has become less important. Why?
Inherent in the discussion of Social Security and Medicare is the fear that has been propagated about these two program’s impending demise. This has created some sense of urgency about them, a fear that Republicans are taking advantage of.
As Joe Biden pointed out during his debate with Paul Ryan, (paraphrasing) “who you going to trust with social security, the Republicans who have wanted to cut or end it all along or the Democrats?”
The new Republican tactic and one that appears to be working is to run ads with elderly Americans and their own children. It’s an attempt to “swing the trust issue” to one of trusting “their own kids” with the future of their Medicare.
The ads are effective and the polls reflect a shift here. They don’t make a detailed argument. And there is no reason to trust that Republicans with their history on Social Security and Medicare. It’s all about a gut reaction that plays on emotion. Sounds like a message created by a marketer.
What can Democrats do to respond and reclaim the issues of Social Security and Medicare? The best way is to reinforce what Joe Biden alluded to during his debate with Paul Ryan once again, “Who you going to trust.” Give the inspiring story of FDR and these programs and how the Democratic Party championed them. Show how these programs have helped millions and how they are worth saving and not being turned into a voucher program or a retirement subject to Wall Street. Give them a reason to trust your message over the Republican Tea Party.
Don’t back away from the argument and let Republicans redefine Social Security and Medicare for us all!
Use this clip and or the words spoken by FDR to rephrase the argument in a way American people can understand and see through the Republican promises.
FDR: Warning about today’s Republicans
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