I’ve been getting a little tired of the media spin that said John Kerry’s campaign is not where it should be. Various observers have been complaining about ads, message, staff, polls, etc. Mickey Kaus seems to have made it his life’s work to highlight every Democrat he can find who’s expressed a moment’s hesitation about Kerry’s current position.
With this in mind, it’s time for the spin to reverse itself as reporters look for angles that challenge the conventional wisdom. By that I mean, if all the stories say Kerry’s campaign isn’t catching fire, there’s a strong incentive for a reporter to write an item saying that Kerry has “turned the corner” and is “back on track.”
Exhibit A: David Rogers in today’s Wall Street Journal, who notes that this week may prove to be a “turning point” for the campaign. Rogers noted that Kerry has a new campaign theme that he’s trying out this week on the West coast. The reviews seem to be encouraging.
[M]ost important may be the new rallying cry that Mr. Kerry brought back with him [to Oregon]: “Let America be America again.” After weeks of struggle, he is increasingly confident that he can find the words and “music” to break through with voters in the November general election.
[…]
Mr. Kerry’s three-day Western swing this week could prove a turning point. At a time of national self-doubt, the Massachusetts senator hopes to project an image of reassuring strength that melds “can-do” American optimism with a call for a return to the sense of community.
“Talking about ‘Let America be America again’ is tapping into that value system that people think makes this country strong,” he says in an interview.
“What is it that makes us strong, and what do we have to do to get that back, to let America be America? Strength means people being able to do better in their jobs. Strength means having the courage to stand up to special interests that steal the agenda here in Washington. Strength is fighting to have health coverage for children,” he says.
At a minimum, I figure we have the Langston Hughes vote wrapped up.