Demeanor

Posted on September 27, 2004 by Gene

On Friday I complained about NPR airing an interview with the Bush campaign manager. Today they aired a piece with the Kerry campaign manager. Again, just an extended campaign ad, but I was struck by something else: the contrast in speakers.
The Bush manager spoke with such quivering contempt and almost hatred in his voice, he spent his time bashing Kerry and making accusations. He came across as, well, just a very unpleasant, mean person.
In contrast, the Kerry manager was well-spoken, focused on issues and her candidate, and avoided bashing Bush. She spoke pleasantly and softly, and seemed so much more friendly and nice.
This is a contrast that I see everywhere. Almost without exception Republicans, when interviewed, are harsh and nasty, rarely straying from carefully crafted rhetoric and talking points, and viciously attacking anyone who disagrees — including the host. It’s something that’s worked for them for decades now, the forceful assertions that, when repeated enough, take on a truth of their own. Why do so many people fall for it?