Two columns about what Trump’s message should be, but isn’t. (Links to each full column embedded in the headlines.)

Trump’s message mess (Oct. 26): President Trump still could win reelection, but pollster Frank Luntz was right last week to say that the Trump campaign’s message selection and discipline have been “political malpractice” that is the “worst” since at least 1980.

Campaign aficionados have been waiting in vain all year to see what Trump’s preeminent, galvanizing issue would be. In lieu of that, surely, at least his “closing pitch” would be well focused on the issues or feelings that would move voters in identifiable ways — right?

Wrong. The attempt to put forth an attractive message has resembled a Jackson Pollock “paint splash” canvas, but less intentional. One struggles to find any discernible strategy….

All of Trump’s messages should address the China syndrome (Oct. 27): If President Trump wants a more focused “closing argument” for his campaign, an obvious one is teed up for him to hit out of the park. Trump could make the issue of the presidential race the need to and the ability to stand tough against Communist China.

Almost every other issue Trump has tried to bat around in recent weeks can be incorporated into the anti-China framework. It’s also a framework within which opponent Joe Biden has tremendous vulnerabilities.

Let us show the ways Trump can use the China framework to his advantage (while noting that the arguments below will adopt a Trumpian political framing, whether or not that framing is 100% accurate or wise)….

The simple truth is that Joe Biden has been a suck-up to China’s government for a long, long time (as this video, beginning at the 17:17 mark, amply shows)…. On the economy, the military, our campuses, the coronavirus, and dodgy business dealings, Trump has stood against Chinese influence while Joe Biden supported it….

 

 

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