I found it interesting to read what Michael Barone had to say about politicians who were successful as they presented a narrative of where the country was an what it needed to move forward. Of our current parties and candidates he says:
Neither party is presenting a narrative, as the Roosevelts and Reagan did, that takes due note of America’s great strengths and achievements. Each seems to take the course, easier in a time of polarized politics, of lambasting the opposition.
That got me wondering, what kind of a narrative would be successful today – and will any candidate present such a narrative? I think I might take a look at the various candidates again for myself to see if there are narratives from their campaigns that Mr. Barone is missing. Does anyone see a candidate who is presenting what they feel is a compelling narrative?
I think the closest thing to a narrative has come from Obama. He seems to acknowledge the divisiveness that has consumed our body politic and wants to do something about it.
One thing that I believe has dragged down the discourse here in our country has been the proliferation of professional political consultants. Their goal is not to unite the country, but to put together a coalition that will win. Divide and conquer is the name of the game, and magnifying differences vrs. emphasizing commonalities seems to be part of their arsenal.
So the narrative of Obama is – “let’s be more civil and work together for the good of the nation? I like that narrative.”
I’m surprised that I have not heard anything from Ron Paul supporters. The more I think about it the more I believe that he is offering a narrative as well -” let’s return to our constitutional roots of federalism.”
Most other candidates seem to be offering – “here’s where I lean in the current system.”