Aka: Holy bad framing, Batman.
A few minutes ago on MSNBC, a spokesperson for Michelle Obama was talking about the attacks on Barack Obama. Asked about Cindy McCain’s attack on Obama’s vote against funding the troops (insisting that a timeline be included), the spokeswoman said, “McCain also voted against the troops” and “The reason that Obama voted against the troops was…”
Why must Democrats constantly engage in Framing Fail? Obama didn’t vote against the troops. And frankly, neither did McCain (in this instance). To claim that either did is to reveal or feign ignorance in how Congress works. The funding of the troops was never in doubt. What these “votes against the troops” represented were marginal votes in the attempt to shape the war strategy surrounding the funding. Thus, the debate is not who supported the troops or not, but whose strategy is better. Does the public prefer the surge and an indefinite presence in Iraq or do they want a timetable for withdrawal? On the other hand, on real matters of voting for or against the troops, McCain has a horrible record and Obama a pretty solid record, with things like the GI Bill being prominent in the contrast. The Republicans are expected to frame things in ways that hurt Democrats and we cannot really prevent them from doing so. But please at least make some effort to create rival frames that are more beneficial.
