Ever wonder how campaign reporters, particularly those not on any big-shot’s Blackberry, get that instantaneous comment from the opposition?
John Kerry visited Toledo, Ohio Wednesday to talk about the sagging economy and job-loss. A short time later, the phone rang at Toledo Blade reporter Fritz Wenzel’s desk and it was Commerce Secretary Don Evans telling him the economy “is very strong and continues to get stronger.”
Kerry told in large crowd in Wheeling on Monday that the Bush administration is responsible for the loss of 10,000 jobs in West Virginia. Up popped U.S. Rep. Bob Ney, Republican of Ohio, telling reporters Kerry is “anti-steel” and “anti-coal.”
At a stop in Austintown, Ohio, Kerry promised to “put Americans across this country back to work. Soon after, Kevin Madden, a Bush-Cheney campaign spokesman, told Youngstown Vindicator reporters David Skolnick and Peter H. Milliken that Kerry doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
Coincidence? Right.
What it is, is “bracketing,” and the Associated Press’ Tom Raum today offers a fascinating look at the political technique of shadowing the other guy. In advance of a candidate’s appearance, prominent members of the opposing party are lined up for interviews; talking points are circulated to local elected officials, and even new ads are unveiled. Before and after the visit, the spinmeisters go into action.
“Both parties do it,” writes Raum, “but the Bush-Cheney team has far more resources at its command — more than $185 million raised for the campaign and the power of incumbency.” The Democrats, reports Raum, often rely on local elected officials to counter the GOP message. Former Clinton administration officials also have been pressed into service.
For reporters unaccustomed to this moment in the national spotlight, a word of advice: It’s a fleeting phenomenon. While a cabinet secretary may want to talk to you today, the chairman of the local zoning board probably still doesn’t.
–Susan Q. Stranahan
Susan Q. Stranahan wrote for CJR.