This is a fascinating video for several reasons. Certainly, John McCain and Barack Obama have reiterated their talking points time and time again, but this video shows just how carefully the language of said points was crafted and learned. As much as we make fun of Sarah Palin for being front-loaded information, there's no denying that sometimes, that's what happens in politics.
A politician is a carefully groomed and crafted persona. We've talked often about codes: John McCain is the Seasoned War Hero, Barack Obama is the Young, Bright Upstart. The way that these two men talk (and express their political views) fits into these crafted niches.
We've talked about the inherent mistrust in American politics. Of course, people don't want to feel like they're being lied to or fooled by someone, but most voters want that crafted, calm persona. When Howard Dead screamed from the depths of his gut, voters (and the media) were scared, or at least surprised. This scream, this man - is that what a voter would remember in times of crisis? Did Americans want Dean's "finger on the button" as it were? The answer is clearly no. Americans want the politician whom they view as safe, level-headed, and consistent. Where does this aura of security and power come from? Does it stem from natural charisma groomed by handlers who know what Americans want to hear and see? What codes Americans want to "read"?
Repetition increases memorization. The more times a voter hears something, the more likely they are to remember it. Is that why politicians say the same things in almost the same way, time and time again? Or is it a function of the opposite process: politicians remember the way policies were repeated to them before speeches, and thus the words come out the same way each time.
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