THE DNC’S ‘FACES’ SERIES…. ABC News reported this morning that the DNC is launching a new initiative today, called “The Faces of the GOP.” It strikes me as a pretty good idea.
The first target of the campaign is Rep. Steve King (R) of Iowa, who’s described, accurately, as a “radical Republican” who is nevertheless “a leading voice of the Republican Party.” The video features a few of his striking public comments, and points to his prominent role in the GOP. (He’s not, in other words, some backbencher no one’s ever heard of.)
Now, the video itself strikes me as just so-so. In fact, I think there’s a typo in clip, with a quotation mark that comes after a question mark when it should come before.
Nevertheless, I like the idea of the larger effort. Heading into next year’s midterm campaign season, it’s in the DNC’s interest to characterize congressional Republicans as extremists, far from the American mainstream. Highlighting the GOP’s more ridiculous members, and introducing them to the public that may not be familiar with their antics, delivers a not-so-subtle message: would you really want these folks in the majority, dictating policy?
ABC’s report added, “The new campaign, which a Democratic aide said may include targeted media and online buys as well as local media outreach in the future, reflects an effort by the DNC highlight some of the more controversial figures inside the Republican Party who have emerged as prominent voices in media appearances.”
King, in other words, is the first to be “honored,” but Paul Broun, Michele Bachmann, and others will no doubt be featured “faces of the GOP,” too.
The more this campaign has an effect, the worse the already-damaged Republican brand will be.
