Title: Podcast: "The Discipline of Political Messages in an Unruly Era"

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" This to see and ask them William podcasting produce bad compared to distance program and I'm nineteen. For more information about compared media studies are on the corporate experience. Visit us online and she amass dynamite team that you."

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" It's okay. Through -- yeah. Yeah. That is because they're. -- am very excited he's everything you parker. So you but I don't. -- it's. -- really amazing space where people. Inherent evil business people policy journalists academics and out on the table and talk about -- proxy public policy. -- lower -- partisanship. Find common solutions are these common processes -- thing. That's for sure I was there -- ponder -- why. We're all very bad fancy party and myself. How -- her how elaborate British retreated. Survives. At all comes Harry Potter rediscovered bug in the in his life and firewire on. Are hardcore fans of loose balls and discovered that eighty Acre fire is one of the things that bridges across ideological line -- Coffee at your -- analyst. I -- an instant liking the tigers might really have a majority don't chances. -- JJ is people. I don't want to hear everything I could hear their growth in the -- polls on fox -- don't. Hear the full range of views that are out there and so I'm excited to be everything -- tonight. Q you -- let him tell his own story is no words. But. Three multi."

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" And asked them to almost moves ago. I'm going to sue them an action. And I just asked him if he's dead buried beneath the -- who have learned of his. Yeah. New Star Trek -- We simply -- but that's the kind of action. -- who -- absolutely a bit ahead this into this. I can't Johansson and actually closed. Which I understand us how to Suisse group I'm sure he's better than Michael gamble on and that to a two years stands at at. Us. -- and the effective food on. Communications as it relates I think to some good topic to address and take a few minutes to share some thoughts on partisanship and leadership. On stage craft and stagecraft. I think reflect a bit on some of that absorbed in the last you have known him following. Move Q if at the center and then move I work all of you were doing. And had him consumed. A fair amount of that storm did true fan and good. On and and exchange after some remarks will be -- have would give and take on the kinds of interest in the intro to a path. And I -- Two at one point to a few moments about the backstage activity at Saturn unit. During during the campaign and and some men. So to last as a counselor. To governor of Alaska. And particularly. Reporter. Who. Is and then writing books after that campaign. And asked me. When it went to do to boot counselors she said the cancer exceptions like movement. But I didn't use it. So it's it's. If you can assume it's sessions and asked them to. So full of contradictions. To have campaign. -- Effective and accurate -- And opened some of the tax on out of -- Used to it. -- is blue -- And of convergence culture and and spread the moon. And -- session about to reference them to do so. When I got to assume we'll do everything and the cameras two and food hits the spot when. It was a largely true with the -- good -- good advice. But the phone just before the birth of his child so I do appreciate that I start. And then with the defense. Of partisanship. You're invested. I meant to be careful when -- defined and so the defense of partisanship. So should -- Luke -- politics -- room back and forth so often it's a very. Both charge the man has been partisanship and politics. Room -- in my view is major reflexive. Personal. And partisanship -- our founders and as a country. The problem there are some which gives them. Out confessed that from us about some of those opportunities for. And -- those failed to. -- states here. Country to benefit from the rest of it is too soon as the blue. So it's have to contrast had some tough. So when can. Toughness and politics that I've missed it from this group. Food for us to have some and to implement that. It would be. Politics. And but to. -- Quarters. In politics. And war. Next. Thing. -- And so often the case the truth rise somewhere in between men and thoughtfully yeah. Angel who is I'm confident. This force of nature personalities. Mention. And become the essence of that revenue items and hyperactive. Two assets. When he was like how come you -- you. A movie about a Boston. -- Right. -- documentary filmmaker from Boston and staff and towards. Its veterans. Made and hasn't spread quite as much as you might -- Korean -- come. The sad of them -- me it's generally fair until will be. Of that room on the questions of race. And -- seem a little bit later seven rooms or sometimes. -- at least unfairly cast on the subject of race and sometimes. Castigated on the subject. Race. I think when I didn't. Who it was given policy focused. And based approach politics and that was it means stock in trade. But. -- operation just to -- through a few quick things here. And I assume. From some of some pleasure that I was. Amazing communicators. I was the first. Room in the campaign some of my political junkies. -- Aluminum to to -- The Clinton Campaign which we and that did decide to 1984 and didn't call it that. An office with more televisions count federal and -- cars and with Clinton's -- and control acts but with scissors. -- cut impediments to not control. And I assume some paper to. As a solution to -- copies of those articles were too dissimilar from the headquarters. I was at Fallujah to move through this bad about me and had a good sense to put you in the press office correcting. Sympathizer. And and distributing. The information. Left out so that we let them trip with a -- experience. Benefit Rutan and his -- that what I had no idea that we jobs like that. -- Ma'am we'll have fax machines. Mobile app. And it's an amazing experience and then. I think there. That that at face justice for equipment. For them incalculable. -- and those that -- Evans to some stuff from and so those -- so handsome man and then qualities and reboot Canada through the -- in the sense that. I was very aggressive partisan -- mean. And the tough practice of politics. -- Clinton can bet that the policies and care about accomplishments and only it. And some moderate course of reform conservatives to -- just as Clinton to implement and led them to a moderate place that. The with that about him that said good qualities he was tenacious. So that attacked whom it. Put that issue. Often -- counterattack. He said it would -- kind of war and so it. And pretty tough nosed politics in South Carolina which that. Heads it's reputation. Which lives to boost which had some. Affect them personally. In this last campaign and you know -- in just a little while. I think. Solution. New editor was. Room that we -- remember record that's committed to paper to prove it. But let's give if you had paper's archives that's led us through some rest to -- the attack really attack removed. I -- and uses his Press Secretary from the first lose an office to the last thing -- knew -- that. And that took one for about six years. Yeah and then got back into politics. A people who have bad blood moved from Texas at the time I ask you enjoy. 929. And room. Clue. As there where those -- do exemption and politics. And it was. Who after the bad news. Those would have. Ted -- and and pushed him onto the -- pledging to change that. It was extremely appealing to me. That someone -- gonna -- them from governors whose consent of the as a compassionate conservative and send -- like the way. And Lester -- no silver Spooner. Good to. Alcoholic -- broken family. Nobody give him an easy path for him and made them tougher and ultimately the better and compassionate person. This that was different from -- in his abdomen. But hadn't set the same policy instincts -- removed would implement them as well as Suzanne tombs -- And commitment who haven't worked out lots of and boom boom boom and that the peninsula. And in politics come back to the lighthouse that served in the campaign talk for a minute that that. The halftime that we ninjas. So we'll look at that now. Who's been looking at writing about remember -- civic affairs from relents and spend liberal media and this convergence culture. I think you it's it's worth noting just how tough. And blue violet -- and it's tough for improperly put themselves through it. So -- sometimes kind of jokingly say you've got to be kind of defected to want to run for office and this is not a bad idea. GM's -- antenna move room to put yourself -- to the office holder in this kind of culture and -- So those questions and answers just asking remembers who are important to do I suppose that come down about -- where political journalist David Broder. And author Richard Ben Cramer have come down on this question yes it was a brutal process. -- particularly about the race. But the process of running from the White House. To boot process. That is credit. Famously. Had a -- cooler weather tips. We tend to lose. He would I don't believe I'm saying in effect that certain kind of draw -- game. Well some would say -- took power. That means extra ordinary. It has its bad -- some would say it's would send him to what Churchill would say you know about democracy. And I've been through. Adding to its its it's the most possible then choose a president except for then gathers. It's. It's just not do we convinced -- a bad that's -- discretion of that total. We choose presidents. Arguing that. And then it dialogue and don't in discussion and I think some measures that. And soon to reform American politics could have that effect. Trusting that that. -- let's let's talk about reduced its campaign spending and tighter restrictions on campaign spending to move that's. Good regardless of ideology. I would come down that road five years ago ten years ago and today it's never. That some of the voices. Support President Obama on. Host of questions have gone quiet and -- on the subject of campaign finance reform. And I suppose it's worth noting how well known Barack Obama do it was a fundraiser extraordinary. So. The hacker sees this. And that absolutely 2000. And bang. Let him for dead and I would say that would have room to. Couldn't move to a column -- world. To Florida. And it's. Yeah crib room the room saying folk will know soon I missed the -- an American. Politics about them from Columbus. Certain asset to the end of the butterfly ballot talking about the real accounting for as in 2000. When -- view. Word prudent political questions today and I mean it's what -- tap their hopes boots I'm sure it then. Muqtada. It was then. It was incredibly intense period there was. The question media attention and I never did and moved around and even the subject have. I had no I do. Use -- to that I was aware of the past -- best time due to a both flew out of the blue today. Moved fast in just a few months before that for the frog campaign. When my wife and had our first child to I think that was in the back command and experience of having that first baby -- asked him. West Palm Beach and and whose windows from the courtyard. Room where these people are counting ballots thing in the."

" It's coming I'm hoping the future and I -- democracy to our country stands. So that's hangs in the balance homework in the mood to Germans -- bad has meant to shred. A piece of paper was bad. I was proud Andrews -- Near where they -- just -- was -- it was kind of this hardware assessment but you know I would not confirm his windows."

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" And and quick decisions about -- the -- and -- with them quick to them and really before about this record. Its biggest political question have been accorsi. People missed it for us talking so much about them. -- Some allies. And past and and -- as it -- removed so. Half of split them into tonight a bit -- that happened in 2008. As opposed to 2000. You know so you. Politics. When. And and certainly it was -- For lupus and some -- until some of the there could. -- Quickly it happened upon this and that. Bad we do. House and come before an audience of -- different political news from some room Hussein commanders. I thought. There's that talk about partisanship that I know that true Republicans. Complained about some very conservative things Bill Clinton did because. And welfare reform is an idea that comes to -- and I felt like as they -- complaints. About prescription dread going to benefits being added Medicare. Education reform recognized. Public education is a civil right for those who. Students who would lose it drew -- to the president assume. Lot of them that many Democrats. Washington NASA and its efforts to attack those things I think that it NN and time. As as hopeful optimistic person. Both -- actually present Obama from. And send. We set an alpha -- about this for the last. 67 dancers. And I didn't send that to listen man and there's a few months of I was very optimistic after the election. I have to plan let's assume that the Republicans -- the and that's for a moves have complaint. That same Democrats and partisans in Washington. Room Anderson of the country fail. If that meant for George Bush would be seen -- failing. Yeah hypocritical. And counterproductive. And that politically helpful and I think I'm losing them to climb over the importance but. Hypocritical is pretty bad -- ahead -- McNabb who command for matters to political operatives but I think and students were sort of food Republicans. Would do. Guys to have an actual despite the focus on Rush Limbaugh who famously said that it. It's about to fail. And and Republicans NASA boom boom who said the actual roof of that country succeed. Obama's agenda to succeed. -- and came from send him to succeed and terms on that information with them partisan -- download movies and then expand. Left to -- something would -- would consider success because that's what the pundits and it's loose. It -- them mansion and has to do. Expansive. And I think. Yeah. Tell you didn't have had the pass coverages and I -- I myself. When -- to have a culture will present a big boost insurance and but. Average that's reserved for political reporters. Don't let -- answer before. It itself. It's. From. It would and who put themselves this would. And that. Position. For America. And it's too early to -- says. Political talent and them. -- And it would. Considered judgment -- president. George -- have some of those things. Sometimes it isn't the case that's who. So she said. So and and information from different parts of and she -- but kind of decisiveness. It's. It was characteristic of -- and was. Sentenced to Austin. Choose to accept that and it's. And costs and two it's. Supposed to boost from. So bad and 7% of Americans. Concerned with some of about budget deficit. So so. Two. So its its benefits from personal. Patients who. Coup and -- and -- it. -- Message disciplined for. If you -- Too extreme right. To taxes and politics and I am but I vice president. We imploded. That the Americans who -- So let's -- the part of the premises. And the not to travel. I'm sorry that took place not through mr. vice president and then NN -- The reservation. So I ask you write about best through -- June before hand whether message discipline was a good thing. Where the message discipline was a necessary thing -- is -- it's kind of consistency it's. It's you can -- as far as we sort of slavish consistency. At this okay I'm standing Joe Biden says today. He spends about the food I swear I flew -- into. -- where were encouraged to call it and it's off the reservation red. It's been -- it was a distraction. I imagine and through. That would. Newscast tonight and he and discussions that we have. Stay tuned because the swine flu persons of the topic out there talking politics of -- and then let's face it. This is the discussion -- and good and -- that. That is a distraction. That doesn't help the President Obama pass. Push forward his agenda I'd argue would suggest that some gruesome world. For the kind of a disciplined and I elected officials communicate. Look at even the most rabid anti bush or Democrat must wish for a little more restraint. From the vice president. Themselves can -- Well -- extract a price for. I like on that note to -- do some food. Hillary you --"

" Know about you studied. You quoted others talking about the moral economy of information. I've gone through message discipline and you know the tough campaigns and the ups and downs of the political cycle the absurdities of the recount. Skimming across the surface of a career where. You know the hard fought political battles have brought to. A lot of heat never once -- a little life. So I try to shed a little more life and that I saw a window for that -- beating this metaphor to draft. Here in the phrase a moral economy of information and I might for the purposes of this talk ask you to consider a moral economy a political information. And what that might. Actually -- Is that reflected on that that -- and it says more about mass sort of character or outlook on life and -- guys. Maybe my studies of this stuff. But actually believe in that kind of fundamental fairness. In power moral economy in our economy the political information in our political back and forth. Now I wouldn't call that a transactional. Fairness. I wouldn't say that caused plus the fact. Equals fair resolved within sort of some sort of hard to define timeframe. But in the course of a political life in the course of a political campaign. There is -- context. I can textual fairness. -- someone who's. Believed some sort of just being realistic about the world might be able to appreciate what I mean that can textual. Fairness. I think. Office holders and may be the senior people who work around the candidates who run for office. Have today. But make a bargain. The bargain is that we're gonna get into this business knowing more or less what the rules. And those rules include the fact it is is pretty tough it's brutal in fact. And it is that transactional sense -- even a very clear easy to decide since it's not fair I think that's true regardless of -- ideology it's not clear the way some people are treated in politics. I've argued that you know the toughness of these campaigns is. To quote Brodeur and Kramer and some others approving. You know. It's a it's a decent test for the toughness. Of being president of America in these times we -- is -- incredibly tough job. With movie that demands on the person who holds that office a crushing. So far so. We better test their ability to take -- take -- take blows in you know so so I think. You know that going here so there's this fundamental fairness that I'm really defined yet. It's that's that is within context that can text -- fairness. Where you'll know that certain strikes -- the candidates that. -- that certain strengths of Europe's. Will be rewarded some of them even disproportionate. To the attitude to their value and your weaknesses will be punished. Sometimes perhaps disproportionate. To. Their actual role in your character in May cut. All of this within the framework you candidate use the political activist due to campaign. Had to go through. You doing your agenda are going to be judged by -- and very tough standards often changing I suppose but by an electorate. It's as fair as their level of information and they -- set of values will allow them to me. Is fair is it makes it. Okay so. I would say that Matt I don't think I'm Pollyanna about belief in the fairness. Politics. That the -- results. Doesn't mean that welcome. Some of the dialogue that we have if you would. You all remember this bumper sticker and I suppose history has either written or thought about the way. The idea here has spread and even the bumper sticker. George Bush started in 2000 holding up three fingers. How has that as that sort of a lookalike for W. Well thought it was you know kind of humorous -- I don't know I don't quite sure where it came from. Of course the way our politics is in the way his persona generated. Opposite reactions a lot of people thought you know he told that the through you know and three in trying to say that the -- the end you know have. How crazy is that they did it it's that those nicknamed a lot of people was just W. And it. So. If you'll pardon the -- this. As apparent as a conservative. Is someone who is worried about our. Are so public discourse I didn't much care for that. I it gets a laugh in this room and ask that's fine. I mean how would say. That context. I've used this in a different maybe. Cents a minute a few minutes ago but in context seeing that on a bumper. In public. He gives it a much lower lower value that has certainly. Appreciate free speech and wouldn't seek to govern that I always struck back out angry someone my speed of put that kind of thing on on you know -- they drive around -- So I AM not being -- The next release crude ended I'll admit I find it funny because of the context I got is an email I would not like to see this. On a bumper stickers even though I found it funny is an email. I just returned from France so for the podcast -- say these have said W the president. -- the president and the mayor's. So if you just move along we don't need to leave that hanging out there have put the coveted title -- had back in just to. Make a point sort of about how expendable that. That iconic sort of idea that one letter and and it's reference to the present it. The real bloopers actually saw an email Henry. Of oh Maynard was done. I thought a little bit better in the when I found and Google images because it would be played off of the actual Obama logo and had those colors that sort of pale blue and red. And I'm -- parts and that's -- And I got in an email. I make the case that context in setting in this gift economy of sharing. Emails -- Where you see it does. Make a difference. So. You know a tough tough place is a failure that someone's name is poked around like that. Probably Nat but he is part of the culture in the world. We we live there. And I think I'll leave that at it if that for now this. Sets of fairness. Fundamental fairness even. For me was tested in a very personal way. That I get to in a moment. That is at least some of you may know from my political -- I was just bush yet. I'm gonna get a little while we're talking -- a fair amount about my experience in 2008 when went to work with. And John McCain's request with Sarah Palin. But there is some you know I oppose John McCain nine years ago. Fought against hard fought campaign said Carol. About sixteen months ago. -- About the McCain campaign and the way it's seen to be wallowing. The end it's defeat from the -- eight years earlier. -- is -- leading self pity when he came to campaign. But I also. Disavowed. It in an interview. Books. Some of the attacks that they had do endure. I want to get into this for a minute because it really touches. Touched me and my family personally. And then they have not said a word about this since the campaign since all of this came up. So it's. It is for the first time -- so -- Jump around a little bit and I'd ask you to bear with me because I think it's relevant to our overall discussion. I'm like in a moment to have you look at clips up on YouTube. It was an interview that I did as I said about sixteen months ago. -- Stefan -- the director of the movie about Lee Atwater William. And they've been a speeds. McCain was campaigning in those states South Carolina and he fell prey. To that sort of self pity about that election. In my -- And I was at the time not supporting any of the candidates -- when very inspired by any of my Republican Party. Potential nominees. But I didn't like the way that campaign. We sort of re living and -- an incident that happened. Eight years earlier I explain some more after this clip of me. Talking to Stefan Forbes about. Do you plan."

" A tough campaign. -- Someone Carson may express. She and her family business. It's a wonderful story it's a wonderful pro life story. Who voted against John McCain because it may be a few hundred people in his state of three point six million. So the South Carolina or he's saying I'm saying it wanted to narrow naked all the cool thing fifty -- Herself as. -- this race itself has. The same thing America's -- complicated is on her case is unfair to. Yes stay right stuff."

" So I. You see I got a little my dander up we'd say in South Carolina. He's still my whole state for a merchant of death of the -- yeah that is. Well -- Abreu are let 22. Set the stage for this personal thing I keep talkin' about. -- fast forward to last summer in the spring summer. McCain gets the nomination and isn't it. I'm a Republican. I'm a loyal party guy. -- find a way to help John McCain get elected president and and they beat whoever the democratic nominees spending and we we knew it was going to be Obama. And so. -- I thought that he had to earn my support they deserved it you know he's a book a war hero. And I wanted to help but I wouldn't real specifics I was -- surprised. To be called. As the exchange of emails actually on the day it's Sarah Palin was named the new vice presidential. Nominee in waiting. For the Republican Party. I was I'm doing an interview that morning on NPR. At where -- which they wanted to re record for the west coast. And updated to include do rumor that Sarah Palin might be the person so backing up to the morning before she was okay. And I did a lousy job on the radio defending the pick I hadn't really studied her thoughts a little bit about I knew she wasn't file under a tiny bit. And -- should tiny bit I did it did a poor job so I spent about an hour online and and -- figured out. What I thought they ought to be Saturday. It Henry you and your colleagues have had a number of interesting things that largely agree with to say about. What I'll call communicators people in the business of conveying that political messages consumer messages and all of that and the desire of some of them. To retain control over. Those messages they're dissemination their form ten times better and I hope Biden will come back to that. But in this moment I would say I was well his people trying to. Define not and so much control but at least just have some. Thing to put forward about this woman if she's gonna be the nominee so this research. I do and a sucker for pneumonic devices so I wrote befriended McCain campaign said. You need to be talking about her former executive experience and her energy reform. And her. They can -- its energy. And I she worked on energy and holy smokes on -- now that's terrible. This is part of my pattern my wrap my story. The wind east. So I should have written them. And -- come back to with the third and is it'll come to me approach is not actually relevant story other than. Having a message that had three -- memorable no money device. And it -- so pissed off for the campaign and they said. Hey Brian. If you 62 days you could -- So yeah it was that day the day she was named that I was asked to doing campaign. I think emblematic of the campaign didn't really plan it can. -- I didn't really go ask that in the -- but. If it came back to me many many disorganized days of that of that camp that 62. Loan days are -- has like to reflect on a couple of those in a few a few -- now and then I am. So well I got into the end you know let me just take a minute on -- there's always I think she's an object of fascination. And and about pro pro and con in probably a little more time than it was right after the elections I don't think things have gone. Really well for her since then."

" That look this is I'd say in her favor and genuine conservative and a genuine person. Who is likable for that down to earth quality that I've. Got right away. I mean you see it in person and I think life bitch she had been living the family story. Yeah and you reflected account every illness that was very appealing in many. I know this anecdotally and from day that many Democrats in swing voting independent women in particular we're very open mindedness. In its earliest stages. And you know it wasn't long before the hammer came down right. And you know that we have a sense on the inside. That you know how dare we do this the media was saying let's have -- you do this spring a surprise on us. Now we're gonna after crusher -- then you know it they sort of did. But -- and some of it hey I believe in a fundamental fairness right. So is that -- well in May be a transactional system she deserved it not. -- was it fair let's kind of what you get. Which you know you get into if you thought about what you get into so."

" Continue a couple of more passes you know an amazing speaker oh my gosh in that speech. Was for many Republicans who who would like to just block out the bad stuff. Would like to just sort of -- well in a pool of memories. About that speech in the excitement it generated in the buzz in the then it just the way it took this. Gang made him fresh and updated meaning John McCain and and gave a party in new face. You know and I knew I knew possibility. You know I mean it was just it was a moment of political sport England though was new in the air and flowers bloomed in. And the crowd war and you know it it it it didn't kept roaring for a long time all the way to the."

" She drew great crowds but I noticed you know come October so. Late September the crowds were responding to different parts of the speech. And it was we started just detracting our base. We weren't getting swing voters in his many independent women in the audience to a sense that. There's certainly an economic collapse was a moment in time. When when am. You know we. Have the economic collapse web we have the McCain. Peripatetic. You know move on on going back to Washington -- launching the campaign senator -- We had some it'll. Organize to meetings with foreign leaders with Governor Palin in. In New York you know wham wham me was we took. Serious pounding at that time and and you know we -- we suffered from it -- for a lot of time because it was right in that era that the infamous we ever infamous. Interviews happened most especially this Katie Couric. If any you want to dwell on that later I'd be be happy to answer any questions you have about it I think. You know it was. You know reflection of I campaign that. Had taken someone. Out of Alaska and into the national political context. So abruptly. That you just knew we were going to be it was going to show at some point I do remind people that the first. Major national interview she did we Charlie Gibson nobody really talks about anymore because that was actually a success it was it was good. It's -- you drew little controversy right away about something. She said but the controversy was generated by Charlie Gibson in ABC -- mistake not last Sarah Palin stay. It may be one of the reasons media don't talk about as much I mean they do have a tribal tendency to protect their rooms sometimes. If you part of the club and so I thought. Gibson came across. And I don't think he is personally but he came across to many viewers as condescending in an interview. You know I don't think you could necessarily say that about Katie Couric I don't think she had a lot of gotcha questions as you weren't. -- Sarah Palin what. Reform measures John McCain never voted for that would regulate businesses opposed to deregulated its right is that. Financial collapse happened and that's a gotcha that's kind of a cheap shot question I don't think you'd expect. Someone who knows that and then and then really burn them within the fact they didn't know and she kind of did burns but really that wouldn't. That -- way created indelible impressions of the case. Couric interviews what good with a reality you know some answers in the in the non answer on what you read and answers on. Health care and the economy that we're choppy and then which work. You know so ruthlessly mocked back Tina Fey and you know I'd be very interested in everyone's take -- On that whole moment in time politically and and its timelessness actually I think it's it's it. You know it's I don't know of the words iconic but it's created. -- more or less kind of permanent. An image that. He is is is probably indelible. So. The real real quickly if -- may last Saturday night -- You know we get into mid October. They've been pursuing this for some time. There was concern that. Should she be embarrassed or they make fun ever be you know rude to her in person. And you know. That's I think that's a legitimate personal kind of consumer. And Lorne Michaels. Speaking to me that week went out of his way to assure that that would be case and he's a man of his word. In the place I think thrives on having people like current rating certainly benefited enormously. -- view ability its credibility of those some of those moments is. An equal that they can in the political pop culture but. So we ended up going out a note to I think it's relevant that one of those. Reasons that CNN and Todd were so has that was the that -- gets they'd run a week or two before. About newsroom at the New York time in which. It was suggested that the husband Todd had committed incest -- his own daughter. Now. That's disgusting you know and I think. You you don't have to. You can have a New York -- could comedic sensibility and still just kind of be disgusted. And yet. What's really interesting about that sketch. Is it it was poking into its whole purpose was to poke fun at those liberals at the New York Times. It was a counter intuitive unexpected moment. It's so counter intuitive that he didn't fit into the narrative. That we in politics talk about a lot and so we didn't get much attention or thought about today. But it was a counter intuitive and funny funny -- probably be conservatives and liberals but some -- funny comes out of being surprising. Context is you don't expect SNL to make fun. Of New York New York Times and liberals in the in journalist. Just as. You know you wouldn't expect. Saturday Night Live necessarily have really -- ruthless by the Democrat back in 1988. But I -- a fast forward and say one of my favorite moments backstage. Which is talking with Jim Downey a writer for Saturday lab who had written. Many of the classic political sketches so which have been very counter intuitive so kind of seemed conservative. And he's a fascinating guy you'd be uncle Robert damaging which I didn't know until I do research on him after the fact. So we get to -- lab with one sketched drafted -- in our hands that was about."

" Sarah Palin as a beat -- solar in Alaska who's selling their goods on the Suzie Ormond show. And though the laughs I just got right there were greater than all the laughs that scared she really created a minus. The Palin campaign it was me with a guide to -- just when funny. We rejected the script. To put her in the role of an actor acting something in we weren't really sure that that's what we wanted to do. And she wasn't and it was funny most of all. So then we got the opening sketch the cold open they call it the ball when. Lorne Michaels thing many of you saying it was pretty funny it needs some work and we were they were good about working with -- it. And then when we got to. They've been teasing assisted with cat -- which we think it's really funny we really do like it. But it easel work so they finally Seth Meyers Lorne Michaels and Amy -- walk into her dressing room and hand us. Let's get. For the weekend update. Don't rack unit that Amy Poehler rap. Which of course she was never she Sarah Palin was never going to do but the conceit of the sketch was. That she decided at the last second I'm not gonna do this rapid -- feel right. That was a concede that any power. With amazing costs -- do that like eight times. And she busted every time. I -- pressed -- you know I think use the word advisedly she was like man and a half -- She's after jumping around swinging and swaying and the hurricane impressive. So. And I'm right next -- the weekend update desk. And they just and maybe the second run through it and when the directors of shows right there are actually acted like he knows his whole life. That deficit Tucker I've been -- sixteen years. This might just be that strange issue. An -- Come on -- read the books. Is no. -- adhere to -- really look so no there any point in our Secret Service -- to their fourteen and any point they wanted to staffer and sent in elements that again knives on about half -- world and we into moves just got shot in their eskimos wrap."

" Okay yeah. Yeah I think he got me there is -- rated show --"

" The these days was a happy when in in many ways in fact some of my colleagues who joined us. Just before show time and their way had been away from for half the day or so who -- sort of slogging it out for me for sit with me for six weeks. Lofton didn't recognize means that talking smiling. Give your sense of just how. How pocket -- road indeed been for a while. So. That that was they a moment that it's it's it's convergence in its. It's its credibility is is perhaps something like to talk about it said wrap things up but I do want to tell my personal -- so if we can go to this next. Slide I would backtrack and say that when he got out that I was joining the campaign the first to welcome first news was that politico dot com the second hit. -- Jake you've covered knee and bush in the whole campaign back in 2000 and he wrote this piece."

" You see the the date September 1. And so he's he's setting a tone right there -- GOP operative who -- smear him in South Carolina in 2000. Now I think political coverage gives you license to use all sorts of words insists -- I. I'd like to complain about it is a purist about the language. I don't believe I ever smeared John McCain certainly you could say attacked him criticized him. You know this tendency toward really inflammatory. And sort of turning up the heat on words. Journalists complain about it and politicians and politicians and their operators complain about it in journalists so -- smeared. John McCain that that article a few lifted up would at its worst. You know point out that there had been some push polls in 2000. And I had defend. Push polls that. Claimed that John McCain claimed accurately that John McCain had been part. Of the Keating. Yes and L scandal and to -- I in 2000 defended that poll until there's not a question in there isn't based on the -- All right so that's what that story kind of gets into. It has a couple of people saying nice things about me a couple of million people saying. They're -- things about me and you know I didn't like it but that's fire and then. If if you will it -- get some other things this was much later saw a jump a little bit at a time. McCain actually went out and hired Tucker Eskew -- architects of rove -- there's that word again campaign in South Carolina back in 2000. They get this a man who McCain wanted said had a special place and -- awaiting him in the next world. Forget about punctuation. So. You know -- to fill in a couple of blanks here. John McCain did use the phrase special place in hell is referring to someone who who who. Ostensibly a bush supporter who sent an email. That was about his adopted daughter this what I was commenting on -- sixteen months earlier. And and I think criticizing certainly not in any way to him. And so the public record has a special place in -- now than it has smear. You know I've been asked sometime back about the daughter of Bengali daughter. Had been adopted. And so what happened you know this it was almost I'm sorry viable. It did in fact was viral because -- criticism of that word is that it. Suggest changing me you know mutation and all of that at least that part of how I read it. Any of this whole thing was getting sort of virus I was starting feel little ill. If you would please. And I don't know you've I think written about foreign non Jew he's written a piece called the truth and it's sort of spun off of Steven Cole bears concept of truth penis and it's written from a pretty left leaning perspective. And then flipping through it I noted. And you it's called this foreshadowing if you see the storyline moving along. He refers to columnist at the New York Times Frank Rich. As a hard working beat cop. Against the official sanctioning of lives when want to take exception mr. me and you if you would. Because Frank Rich on October 11 2000. 2000 any effectiveness. Typing there we also learned then. Since you know month before the election. That the McCain campaign had recruited as a Palin handler. None other than Tucker -- the South Carolina consultant who had worked for George W. Bush in the notorious 2000. GOP primary battle where the McCain's and they're adopted Bangladeshi. Daughter worse climbed by vicious racists. -- So what gone from source mere. To do you know rumor mongers in and all of that was now. Eight really clear implication. That I had some hair and that the campaign in some way had a hand. In smearing John McCain's. I adopted daughter and I had the pleasure of meeting on the campaign trail before this column but when that colony it. The political code is I would draw attention to myself. I didn't want to you know globally not literally punch. Frank Rich for this because that would just be counterproductive. We're all about the campaign you know this but I wanted to know with John McCain. Was concerned about this is certainly thought not had been hired back and asked to join this campaign. And yet that's now being turned sort of against McCain. Writers who see it there's some active craven. You know giving in to those that evil bush called road South Carolina negative attack saying it's going -- there again -- Okay -- and that vicious racist -- I don't know what's more vicious. Than any insinuation. That someone was involved in that kind of race baiting attack without any evidence to -- He would. And we baca because America out of touch on that from the -- so I'm here to tell you that. The the mutation. Coverage. Of that South Carolina primary. And it's. Distortion that Frank Rich. Which was then picked up countless blocks so it is probably terrible. Some finite number of minutes beyond. My ability mass search your capabilities and perhaps Google's to really know the total number not to mention the relevance. How how how be the first to grant that. Even Frank Rich is saying yes and then even a bunch of liberal blogs repeating it and even Don Imus is going on to call me -- you know some really awful names. -- Yeah right unless you have not heard about it I never heard the American find. Online evidence that I had people calling me an email me that day. And that's you know people still listen him know sorry I got personal there. So. How I bring all that up I think too traumatic if first I think I'm as a practitioner. A communications finally doing something that I would advise a client to do much earlier. Which is to respond somehow some starting response I will probably now I really didn't start thinking about this till I got into thinking about what I'd say don't view it. Reading a lot of your blog in and reading convergence culture and and and all of that and I I -- I how it to myself and how it Tamara the advice I give clients and and friends about how to do these sorts of things. So there be a podcast of this. Remarks in May be someone in Wikipedia -- site that podcast some day. Or maybe out pointed out to a political reporter who'd be willing to hear a little bit more of this story who would then be picked out. -- blog interest in these kinds of things and maybe I'll begin to scratch the surface. Of the death of this credibility. Of that. Assertion there. Which as you can tell I take great exception to. So. That's that's that. I I had other observations to make about. Its credibility versus stickiness if if you ever want to just for a second if you would. You know this is a book that practitioners. I would like to kind of comeback that whole subject of and controlling message versus letting it a thousand flowers bloom. These guys he's one of them I think there's an academic and two Brothers. But they've written a formula and people in my business love formulas that is. Simple unexpected concrete credible emotional stories I think he quit quit quit -- You know -- away. There's rule yeah. Here's a way to get things. To stick -- they don't little stick in a way that's the opposite of spread ability in fact they they need it. I think largely in some of the definition movies so that it it it it lasts. At that. Last and lasting this come troops credibility. I guess that's to stick to something and then spread maybe that would be their explanation. And just real briefly that McCain campaign had elements if you would. Is that what it does. Is they're not I think you went backwards yeah. So. Was there anything that McCain campaign that fit that model. I actually -- to the home. If people sickened him one that you're thinking you're thinking in April 2000 and man go back to debate night you know in October. When I'm watching with you know the Palin -- somewhere far away from where -- happened. And I've been saying in the day or two there was that it was a day or two after Joe The Plumber came on the scene that this."

" That it was not Clinton. I'm part of a business where we try to set these things up to happen you know we we try to manufacture our spontaneity. Oh my god this was actually spontaneous. Joe The Plumber conforming Barack Obama was Barack Obama was doing sort of a door to door thing around Toledo. So it was but it was so cool. This guy had an economic concern about Obama raising taxes and he's a plumber so it was unexpected Republican plumber."

" Good lord it was credible it first. Because of -- who he was like that he embodied it's a credible and concrete the other seat. They go together who's emotionally -- he was angry he Lewis -- fired up and ready to go to borrow a phrase. And it was. It was simple. The easy to remember so I was one of those encouraging us to sort of -- that I know -- couldn't -- be quite as much as we did but this is a campaign that didn't -- and stick with much so what she did. It sort of stood out as being rather remarkable and we also have our friend Tito the builder but I'll go there. An inside out so note in talking to people that it soon became. Expected because we did it selloff and and it lost some credibility is is his personal story unraveled a little bit under the brutal glare of Ohio State government. Local officials and much in the mainstream national media. You know that that's sort of tail stuck. With a pin on the end of this -- here or elephant if you will. But maybe sets up an opportunity for us to a launch into any questions you might have been and thank you offer your time and attention."

" Why don't you want to ask --"

" Who is Tito the builder."

" Whether. To comment on. I -- you can -- Caroline Kennedy. Situation because she's -- was this -- getting these -- and in fairness in the glare of the media on. And you know I'm just announced obviously important senator's media moment for a lot of."

" Absolutely it's good question. Sure. Has he said anything recently I -- singer OK so this is. How did she so how was that similar to or different from -- troops there for Palin. I've done that before and so it."

" Assaulted you know this as some of that. It would be looking in. Knowing what you know about the industry now works and that he's the weather brutality. And -- is now steadily stepped and I think that was really wise. For all her knowledge how that where we were expecting -- was are not strong would be."

" You know. That's ahead just a few quick comments I would agree and by the way when it comes to brutality. Inside the US there's nothing quite like in New York press. I mean it is that's tough when to cut -- it's one of those places reduced to is press -- Outdated. And -- move as a pack. And they will you know some and New York Post in new York daily lives take different hat but somehow -- and -- And I think you know she was sort of a flip side the flip side of the -- of the Palin experiences a untested."

" Exciting. Attractive. In talent both -- intelligence and they've got different ways of convincing that Caroline Kennedy's you know obviously got a lot to offer but was she ready for that. It's the same question been asked about -- Sarah Palin or apparently been governor. Executive. Energy. Come -- man. And and yet I think."

" She needed in. What she -- didn't. And so the fairness required if it's gonna be fair it's gotta be because you know or have the ability you know. What an issue getting into when she certainly been around that scene. Something. Just intensive would be. And you can argue that I have just been talking about Sarah Palin work."

" Wanna pick up on me. This could keep me. Its credibility. McCain treatment. Was there that you. Your colleagues. That what that that obviously stuck someplace. Yeah. This certainly was --"

" Well. Here here's here's what I'd say let that forced -- That first story Jake Tapper piece was a reminder. That there were people who didn't want to be named within. McCain world however you -- people had been with him into that house. Who really just didn't like having all these -- so right. I thought -- that was a little funny but he expected. Fair in this sense it the whole thing about Bushey what I -- within the party for eight years. If you could call me young Reagan for having worked for Ronald Reagan. But that wouldn't be relevant -- timely so you get put in the bush passed it. Fair. But you know. What it what what a campaign like McCain's guys is. He gets through the primaries. Roughly winning about a third of the vote on its way to getting that nomination. And he needs not only to staff but to build out. Not only to -- to staff but -- and show people that it's now encompassing the party. So you can bring people -- who work for other candidates and former presidents. An unfortunate for McCain even former presidents who are 29% approval and whose name. Is like the red letter day stamped on your your -- your pastor and I mean it's. It's it was a brutal moniker to get attached. 22 McCain and and perhaps inevitable and in this kind of political climate. So I think. -- Jordanian those complaints that these so what we're proxy for people other people's. Concerns are too many people who worked for bush or been around Karl Rove way and but the larger thing years. Why did people any of them. Genuinely believe that the bush campaign. -- that Tucker Eskew or any of these people. And actually in any sense raw candidates daughter into. A campaign how we can think I mean. There's a kind of self. -- your sort of almost flagellation. Or something. In the psychology of that that I found you saw on that. Clip from a year and a half ago just hard to many many who would -- based practical terms. It common practical terms. Not politically helpful. What what good would it do dubious to to do that sort of be associated and to do it means ultimately you going to be associated. That the culture of you know the irony here is that if you donate it really would have been divulged. And you didn't do it and so you get attached -- And it's. I don't know if it's fair I like to think there's a fundamental fairness so what will I do to try to complete that equation and make it. Fair for me and my family my wife who really was the one most affected by some of the stuff. It's just to create a record do the best you can't get it into the mix a little bit without doing too much attention to."

" want to get your perspective -- and expect him. Vote yes dolphins whose criticism of the parties have also. It. Just. Ways in which is answering the country -- struggle over messaging around."

" Indeed. Indeed and I would have been even if if you hadn't said the second part of that would say well first. Consider the source. I mean Specter has been for. Many Republicans not just. Hard core very conservative but to sort of mainstream consumers a problematic figure. For years and sort of we've had struggles over whether to. Have the party support and have the president endorsed him have the apparatus in the money go to and then in the past it's we've sort of finally says okay it was Arlen. He's he's he's an island and we're very well he's not a Arlen anymore. And the one bit of sort of shortened Freud you hear that there's Republicans saying he's now the Democrat problem. -- and -- to be happy about here but we'll take what we can. And I suppose that subscribe little. But I like to think what I do is strategist are communicators step back and say what is it really. I mean. -- short term practically means we have one -- senator -- closely. You and senate that is now. Really in Obama's effective control. Shrinkage is not what my party should be looking for celebrity that we have to be. More flexible and expansive. In our definition of what it means to -- you republic. Then Saddam would have it be said. What I mean that I don't mean we should just suddenly decide we get this big tents that have an out -- phrase. You know that allows anyone and everyone to roam freely across the plains of the party's house under populated maybe. If it does mean that if we're gonna win in the northeast and here in the north central plains and on the west coast. We've got to learn some new I."

" He is some new faces some new successes. I'm one of those who believes Henry those successes and generally the new faces and ideas are not going to come Washington that -- There come out of states state officeholders governors you've heard me say believing. Governors is -- wellspring for for I think Republican reform and generally just get better better presidents. And national leaders so. I'm I'm sorry he's gone he it is very opportunistic that he did it. And yet that's his right and we'll see. We'll see what price he pays if any. Among democratic. Voters you know once begin charging forward with the Republican senatorial committee has been doing."

" Auto calls robo calls in the democratic households today yesterday with an audiotape of George Bush saying our -- inspectors praises. Bit of ironic counter program there. Don't you think that the."

" He's about and it happened -- it. Everything. Any favors or maybe. Weekly. That's why. Am I don't expect him. -- Work."

" Yes. Very good question. So when I went to the white house with George W. Bush my first job was running the office of media affairs. Media affairs is basically. Everything outside the white house press corps. It is largely focused on regional press. And this is an institution great decline by mainstream press -- newspaper reporters more specifically. But eight years ago there -- many of them and it was a fairly thriving sort of practice of journalists. It was fair to say it was easier to tell. Stories to them that were. Less filtered. Sort of prism of Washington insider mainstream white house press corps since bill. What does that mean. We've got more of our message through in regional. News. And on certainly on conservative talk radio which office users. And definitely in the direct format. You know web when got a world of 2002001. Of the White House. Website which is -- but it -- and now and it was a place where we yet push the envelope so. In terms of of content. Was. I don't know because producer Lee. Jenkins is. But it was. You know -- was some spread ability. In the Barney the and so. We we we took different channels from that White House just decide when sort of example in my career. Take appropriate advantage of the different ways that these very audiences would receive so I think -- the White House press corps. And I have friends in the one today in friends in the bush won but I will pay with a broad brush and -- them generally. To say there are very -- Very -- Very. Spoiled. Individuals. Who are really tough to live with and work. And so -- sidestep many of them hit it in my way. That's what makes it."

" Here. Apparently paid. Eight. Here. Immediately they see it. It -- there. By way. Yeah you. Well I'm -- is okay."

" And productive way and talk. Deliberation yet."

" I'm. And it has done this very evening. --"

" When we're out try to warm up today I think it's a fascinating question. My two best and I like the way you put it I've I've said it. -- really said it since about 2000 ms. Fox News came on the scene in talk radio was happening. And we were seeing in our own polls have difficulty just breaking through. That people can go to corner. It was an academic term in some of your writing this practice. There's you know just going to find what reinforces which -- easily and and it is you know much commented on there and and in your -- to study it. It is. Is troubling we were talking before hand about the the civic space and and the combination of different points of view within that space in the assimilation. Of those different views and healthy kind of way which is what I think we. Should all want our body politic to do. So where is it happening well. I you know I'll start with some some negative news on that for that -- that's -- CNN's ratings dale. CNN has positioned itself as a place where some of that can occur and is it fairly frequent guest on Wolf Blitzer show -- the last 45 months. I'd say that's reasonably fair approach to some of the mainstream lift would draft drew adrift but let left word -- But you know I'm I'm sorry to see that."

" That -- that documentary about Lee Atwater image."

" You know what it's. Flaw isn't Stefan Forbes even -- it he said it's actually fairly balance."

" Steffens a liberal. Stefan quotes a lot of people saying a lot of really harsh things about least some of which might be fair. Some which I know we're not. And yet I still come away from it feel like he did a decent job trying to have some balance into it well guess what it didn't really spread."

" You know that that thing didn't catch on it and had me any kind of."

" He wouldn't -- are expected to be sort of Michael Moore sized. You know in terms of its audience. The interviews director. The that you know in terms of its reach. But put greater may be that it had been head -- than god and I think some of that is attributable the fact that it's sort of balance."

" So. I'm -- psychology student but in politics you'd better learn to practice. Cracks and at least as. As an amateur. And so. We we are drawn into this lesson of of fiction and narrative storytelling and so you better know what about the news media to toward conflict. What what a novel will be without conflict. A movie without conflict it would be a movie you wouldn't watch in a book you wouldn't meet. I've always understood the media to have a role in a bias if you will toward conflict. But it's funny as it is it's although -- an itemized. The conflict is. Is not contained. C attracting get this right Henry you know inside it's it's not so CBS. Picking fights Ronald rate. It's with which was sort of the conflict at its height of so Reagan error -- mean. Sixteen minutes taken on Reagan. Now it's sort of you go out to your corners. And you're firing shots all the way over to the other side and back and Matt -- come back to Riley and O'Reilly and Limbaugh and you know you've actually got this this is going take the military metaphor the shots firing out. And there are other people right there in the middle who were just sick of -- now. And let's face it who also. Tisza I don't know with what is this a chicken and egg situation those in the middle both ideologically. And sort of just behavior early. They're not given to the extremes of this attack. They tend to be people surveys -- were leased interest in politics. Who are most interest in celebrity news. You know they're not they're not engaged. And so we can ask the question is it this. This fight that makes them side was -- the fact that they are that way makes an irrelevant to. These really research driven audience. Focused. And it is here out on the polls and if these people are pay attention will. Okay we'll go for the things that our audience is paying attention to and that's fighting with the opposite side. So where does it start where is it and."

" I am I hadn't done a good job of -- your question of where. Effective civic discourse is taking place but I do I will try -- saying they didn't really quite complete the thought earlier. That Barack Obama's election does give us an opportunity for some -- Not I hope for us to do away with our differences. But to do away with those. Really personal. And pounds -- attacks or at least minimize them. And I hope that his presence and yes his being the first African American president. Let's face it that is a lot to do with this opportunity and -- in my view some of the adoration and certainly with some of the sure way. You know that Americans and people around the world feel about it maybe that's a chance. That I hope Republicans will you know and Democrats and and they're they're failures on both sides in this you know woo woo. Try to achieve. --"

" Partisanship and as previously. Specter. -- Partisanship or. And also about how well these -- her party's. You know. Some people. Sleep. You know. I -- Oh yeah what are."

" So I think how the parties map against ideology well I think currently the Democratic Party as. Embodied by let's say it's elected officials national congress and the White House. Is a you know left leaning too centrist. Party that has elected officials that reflect that split. And I think the Republican -- you know -- with. You know the preponderance being on the and that the Republican Party is losing in the center and then from the sort of senator Riley took to the right is heavily weighted. And if you really waiting things you say -- much lighter than them I think the Democrats haven't have a great significant majority congress. I think. I think Specter I think Collins and snow two senators in Maine. You know they're they're they are or were part of you know dwindling breed of sort of northeastern Republican. Moderates. You know. When I hope for is a party that regenerates itself around ideas. That involve what I call governing conservatism. Where there is the application of principles of smaller. But effective government. That seeks to solve problems in people's real lives. And I think governors are best equipped to do that I think at the federal level executives are nothing congressmen and senators -- there as a check and balance and they don't really have much accountability of their own but they're responsible for applying it to others. Look. And -- If you follow these tea parties that happened has been some coverage about this crazy thing well crazy they don't know I am. I I generally believe it's a good thing when -- when Americans left or right. Get out and to voice their opinion and gather mean that's coming in our roots right I'm wearing Boston. Well. Are. That's become quite culture. Yeah well the art art art you know drives this certainly brought that home some of us. You know and okay so TT but if we're in the city where tea parties start so. I think I can reflect seriously that that's a good thing to gather in. Protest -- something you government's doing how would note however that I think -- fairly sizable number of those people would fit the category of Ron Paul. Republicans. And then not I don't really mean I guess they're Republican -- registered needed placed on all. There in our party primary in there American -- every right to do all of that but they're not really. Really take part in building. And maintaining the party's role in our government so they're there are a little bit on on the fringe and I think that applies to some of those tea parties. The parties."

" And so. I look I think the party -- but not party is going to. Period of reflection. And I hope renewal. But he distraught it is it is in its ideology. It's sort of span of of what it encompasses ideologically. Is as strong. In ways that are not useful and I'm gonna say that is you know -- moderately conservative kill Campbell used to say I like to drive on the right hand side the center of the right hand side of the way. Into four you go in the days getting too far toward the middle could you give him on coming traffic. You know it's sort of like conservative been way out there it's not too mushy moderate but it's trying to get down the road. And as edit your question is are specific way to follow up."

" This. That. Were the road. -- some exceptions they don't. It sets up -- first let's -- it. The way. --"

" Well taken -- day here. Right I mean. That. I've just been traveling in Europe a little bit and -- you may have studied. The political cultures where you have a truly Adam as. You know political infrastructure. Italy and if there be an example. And is it utter lack of stability in that -- things. Wonder if Adam his nation of ours -- the opinion climate in the media. Could have corollary effect here in America. Separate question. But at randomization in those other countries I have always believed to parties is good for stability. And yet those parties need to be broad enough strong enough to accommodate. Some range let's face it that range even as -- complain about so far left liberals in this country. With the fringe example of the -- wires that if you take 80% of America. The difference from left to right compared to some other political cultures around the world is minuscule. -- I mean I think it is part of our you know. Our our our civic space. That we can. Live peacefully together and that we're not so. -- genuinely polarized that -- that we have real radical elements you know there's a kind of stability. To that and so what are the Ron Paul people they're sort of out wires out there and gotten any dangerous and it. They're out -- beyond some of the norms of that 80%. You know the same could be said of what some on the way. So are we -- we are because of the structures -- destruction reflect the country and you know. Good good discussion. Doing a review after --"

" Is it's. Rather than just lines. Process and so. What doesn't -- site where it's. Well the Democrats. Henry the the Democrats will tell you the lesson they learn you know as they got. -- and they are. And they fought earlier and they were more aggressive earlier than I think. Coleman's people war and it says something about our political culture that that's to their benefit in this they have the upper hand. Let what happened in 2000. Poor people."

" Some friendships and in that world over the years you know we'll tell you is they decided. To focus on four counties where they thought they had the best chance of picking -- votes. And image to a major strategic care because it undermined their own message you count every vote. So I think you're probably learned to. You know a number of lessons fair fight more aggressively. Pressure case have some consistency between your messaging strategy. And they've probably been better I. You know so I'm someone who come into this audience and I know how. Open minded in broad comparative media studies program is. And I'd label something that is spread this crude. Conservative or someone concerned enough. With a libertarian streak."

" Nonetheless the -- my personal judgment about. Things like that I think that. Having Al Franken in the United States and it is to us. Wrong it just. You know and I am dismayed by it. And I've been around and saw no kind of personally what we do with with him and I'm. I'm sorry for. But. He went into the process and knew the rules such as they are or aren't they if it. And is headed toward apparent victory. Not sure that. --"

" That's an idea of what's been a great privilege for me is not just being here but spending time thinking about what you do all the time. And I'm just fascinated by it and thoroughly enjoyed diving into it and they can hope you all consider yourselves as lucky is I think you'll. Thank you."

" Cardenas said."