This is beyond pathetic. Evidently House Republicans are unable to muster even the slightest bit of human compassion without relying on pre-vetted talking points:
House Republican leaders sent a memo this week to the entire GOP conference with talking points designed to help rank-and-file Republicans show compassion for the unemployed and explain the Republican position on unemployment benefits.
Also, h/t
Talkingpointsmemo (no irony)
What a group of soulless bastards. It's bad enough that they haven't passed a single piece of worthwhile legislation since attaining their Majority status. Now it's clear that their concern for the American people is just as empty as their agenda.
Republicans are urged to be empathetic toward the unemployed and understand how unemployment is a "personal crisis" for individuals and families.
They have to be "urged" to be empathetic. Because it sure doesn't come naturally, apparently.
Here's their "memo". Some "highlights:"
For every American out of work, it’s a personal crisis for them and their family. That’s why House Republicans remain focused on creating jobs and growing the economy.
* * *
Washington has lost its priorities if it’s more focused on making unemployment easier to tolerate than it is getting people back to work and restoring independence all together.
SeattlePI does a good job breaking down these cynical talking points:
The chief advice: Express sympathy in soft focus...
A second familiar theme: Go negative on Washington, D.C., while subtly suggesting that unemployment is a kind of handout...
According to
Roll Call, the memo also helpfully provides a link to John Boehner's website, where folks can learn more about how much the Republican Party cares about the unemployed.
They shouldn't have bothered. Americans already know.
From DNC Deputy Press Secretary, Rebecca Chalif:
"No amount of message guidance is going to change the reality that their policies are bad for the unemployed, they are bad for the middle class, and they are out of touch with the vast majority of Americans."