Don't count Bush out - the media still has the power to boost him

[Presstitutes]

I posted on this topic last night, and I've added to the original, so here's the full version:

http://www.presstitutes.com/presstitutes/2005/10/the_sound_of_a_.html

The Sound Of A Tornado - How Bush Could Rebound

Bush is "likable." Bush is "religious." Bush is "resolute." Bush is "plain-spoken." "Al Gore invented the Internet." John Kerry is a "flip-flopper." The media is "liberal."

Through a self-reinforcing loop, the media can turn talking points into accepted, unconsciously-repeated facts. Inject the meme into the national bloodstream, repeat it endlessly, have ordinary citizens repeat it to the press, use these statements from the public as evidence of truth and as a means to convince other members of the public that the talking point is factual. And so on.

Bush's opponents may be lulled into believing that his dismal poll numbers are evidence of his political demise, but Pre$$titutes have perfected the art of inserting pro-Bush and anti-Democratic memes into the public psyche, and that well-honed ability to create and solidify pro-Bush narratives suggests that his political fortunes could turn on a dime.

One of the best illustrations of the power of the media to disseminate memes is the sound of a tornado.

Anyone who has ever seen or heard tornado coverage has heard the invariable eyewitness description: it sounded like a "freight train." Never mind that there are dozens of other ways to depict a loud noise: jet engine, rocket, blast-off, thunder, (non-freight)train, fireworks, explosion, roar, etc.

"Freight train" has simply become the default description. And it demonstrates the power of the media to create Pavlovian responses in ordinary Americans. Why is "freight train" the default response of virtually everyone who is asked to describe their tornado experience? Because the media loop has ingrained it in our heads.

So when this site rails against Pre$$titutes for repeating "Bush stands firm," it is with the understanding that the media loop is cementing that fabricated impression in the American mind.

Yes, there is a dawning realization among more and more Americans that 'Bush the resolute leader' is a figment of Pre$$titutes' imagination, that his presidency is a sham. But it's dangerous to underestimate the power of the media to drive home a narrative, and if they get an opening, a polling uptick, an event that can be spun in his favor, his fortunes could change dramatically.

[GrantDem]

1. Very well stated..

exactly why the Democrats need to be on the offensive.

:kick:

[orpupilofnature57]

2. Only the super wealthy can be insulated from the truth now, worst ever **

Even KKKarl can't sell ShrubCo now.

[Demit]

3. Ah, but don't count human nature out either.

At some point people lose their enthusiasm for backing a dead horse.

[indepat]

4. A resolute leader who keeps us safe, the economy sound, the fiscal

house of government in order, and the environment pristine: how great thou art, how great thou art, we are so blessed to have a man of God at the helm.

[rzemanfl]

5. I see your point, but I think this is more like getting food poisoning

at a restaurant. Once it happens, you are not likely to be going back there no matter what they do. If you can find me someone who bought a Chevy Vega and then bought another one later I might change my mind.

[Birthmark]

6. Yeah?

Well, what's the media gonna do when Bush is also an unindicted co-conspirator? Run a special on likeable criminals?

[Mend]

7. I think you actually have to accomplish something...

Eventually you have to say, "here, look what I did". I am not sure vetoing the torture bill counts.

[devinsgram]

8. Missing one point

Over time, everything changes. People get tired and bored. Take for instance his speeches, one can almost predict what he is going to say, he has nothing new for them. He has no substance anymore and they are beginning to see his total ignorance of situations.

Sixty-nine percent of the population think the country is going in the wrong direction and they understand the reason for that is mainly because of him. No, he has brought us death and destruction and they know it.

[linazelle]

9. Love your name. nt