'[T]he media has overplayed their hand. Their virtual unanimity, and their nitpicking of small details has made them look deranged. The harm they can do, they have done, there is little ammunition left....
"The propaganda machine is failing. You can see it in the US, where relentless demonization of Trump simply has not worked.... People are looking for leaders who don’t parse as tools.
"This can be good, and it can be bad. In the 30s Germany got Hitler, Italy Mussolini, and America FDR."
Will local TV help with your turnout at rallies? Yes, but only if you can somehow get them to give their viewers advance notice of your event, which they are highly unlikely to do. The media mostly report on events after the fact, and with great imprecision if not actual malice. And, of course, if you drew a huge crowd for a cause they don't support and it was on a weekend, well, it's funny how they forget to report about that stuff. They missed an entire anti-war movement in 2003 so don't be surprised if they overlook your Saturday rally at a community park.
The media are not to be trusted. Their agenda is their own, and not the public's. This is why hardly anyone on a campaign is authorized to speak to the media. Know who those people are. If a reporter sticks a mic in your face, refer them to the authorized spokespersons. The reporters know who they are, and are up to no good when they try to get you on camera. Nothing you should say is what they want to hear. They want mistakes, mistatements, swearing they can bleep but mostly they want you to sound stupid or unhinged. They are not your friend.
Don't be rude to the media. If they ask you something smile, then refer to them to someone who can help them if you can't. If there is a camera, look to see if the red light is on. If it is, ask why. It is a true fact that you will never see yourself on TV saying, "Why is that camera on?"
If you see media isolating and talking to fringe characters, make sure they don't get anything on tape. Make some noise, interrupt the interview. "Hey Bob, c'mon, you were going to help get the portapotties on the truck, remember?" "Oh, excuse me! Were you trying to find someone with the campaign to talk to? Carol is right over here" and at that point literally take their elbow and turn them around. Gently, but firmly. Believe me, Republicans skip the gently.
Something you will never see: A reporter speaking to the studio and saying, "Well, they wouldn't let me talk to anyone so all I have is the speech." That's not how this game is played. Media handling is an art, but you can develop media skills with mentoring and practice. If you have to form a circle to keep the media out, not only have you lost in every meaningful sense of the word, you've just signed up with the HRC campaign.
Bernie plays old school rules. Be nice to media but don't get sucked in and don't be quoted. If you want to be on camera, run for office. You want to help Bernie? Stay away from reporters!
No comments:
Post a Comment