Who Is Really Winning the Primaries? Ask Rockridge.

Welcome back to "Ask Rockridge," a collaborative project brought to you by the BuzzFlash News Network and written by the Rockridge Institute.

The Rockridge Institute experts want to answer your questions about framing the political discourse. To submit comments, go to Ask Rockridge: Who Is Really Winning the Primaries? To ask a new question regarding a progressive issue that you think needs "reframing," go to: Questions for Rockridge Nation Staff and Community.

The Rockridge Institute also hosts a Weekly Workgroup session on Rockridge Nation each week from Wednesday to Friday, in which a Rockridge fellow leads a discussion sparked by questions and ideas submitted by readers like you.

* * *

When conventional media take the narrow view, the real action is often missed. This is sadly the case now as democracy flourishes and we get bombarded with "sports coverage." The rest of the nomination process will be shaped by the narratives we choose to tell - and those that we don't.

We were recently asked this timely and important question:

"How can we reframe the presidential primary so it does not reflect the "winner take all" mentality?"

There is quite a lot that can be said about the primary system in this country. Rather than talking about the disproportionate role of states like Iowa and New Hampshire, or the complicated issues surrounding super delegates, I will focus on one thing: the prominent media narrative describing the primary as a sporting event, as if it was a boxing match instead of an election. Candidates are the actors; the public is the (passive) audience. The conventional media has projected its image of society – regarding citizens as "viewers" – onto the political process. This narrative is grossly inadequate for capturing deep and inspiring truths about this primary season.

A powerful demonstration of the "competition" frame underlying this narrative can be found in the Talking Points Memo video on Rules, Rules, Rules. The pundits are obsessed with winning and losing, the rules of fair play, and the significance of super delegates. One is left to wonder where We the People fit in. The central importance of citizens in the democratic process gets ignored entirely. This happens when reasoning within the competition frame places authority in elites instead of the people. Our role is limited to sitting on the sidelines and waiting for a ruling by the referee. Fairness is understood relative to the administering of rules, rather than access to the polling booth.

And many key truths fall away.

Here's one: we are in the midst of an exciting moment in history. People are coming out to express themselves at the polls in numbers unprecedented for a presidential primary. This powerful story of democracy revitalized is not being told. Instead, we get the party-destroying Battle of Gladiators. The story goes something like this:

Two candidates – Clinton and Obama – are in a gridlock battle for supremacy that may go too far. As emotions soar among their supporters, the division runs deep. A great chasm threatens to tear the Democratic Party in two if the turmoil doesn't end soon.

[For many weeks a similar narrative played itself out for McCain, Romney, and Huckabee on the Republican side.]

This story is fascinating both for its captivating power and its profound ability to conceal what is really going on. The truth is that a close race – as long as both candidates behave – strengthens our democracy. Think about it:

• Candidates must make their presence known across the country. Masses of people – otherwise excluded if the primary ended sooner – now get to weigh in and feel like their voices matter.
• The long span of coverage allows citizens – most of whom didn't start paying attention until the Iowa caucus – to get to know the candidates and see the real differences between them. Choice is more meaningful when impressions become distinct and personal.
• More people sign up, join in, and cast their ballot when they feel like their state matters too.
• As the delegate count remains close, there is greater significance for each Congressional District. This cascade down to local communities promotes feelings of empowerment at the grassroots level.
• Local groups emerge as part of the grassroots mobilization. People everywhere have an opportunity to get involved in more ways than simply casting a ballot. They can go door-to-door, make phone calls, organize local events, donate money, and be part of something larger than themselves.
• Many become activists – the life blood of democracy – and may someday become political leaders themselves

None of these inspiring truths is seen by the "contest" narrative of our media. What's more, the power of a story repeated far and wide is clear. Truth is not ensured by rational deduction. The facts alone will not set you free. Instead, an impression emerges that "makes sense" the more often it is heard.

Of course, there is an alternative story we could tell. I call it the Revitalization of Democracy:

The primary process began with a few states bearing greater significance than the rest. As events unfold, something new happened: the races didn't yield quick winners. All of a sudden, every vote counts. Success depends on a broad, national strategy to win the nomination. Every state – and its precious delegates – becomes important. Now people who have long felt left out of the political process recognize that their vote matters wherever they live; all across the nation, coast to coast, and across the heartland. And the surge of new participants ensues!

This is a true story. It is happening now. And the mainstream media is missing it.

Of course, we should be wary of negative attacks that may taint the ultimate winner. This revitalization is only wholesome as long as both candidates are honest and accurate about their positions. Mudslinging is a problem, especially if one candidate employs deceptions and distortion in an effort to "win at all costs." Even if this happens, it is not the fault of the primary process. Problems like this come with negative campaign strategies, likely turning off many voters.

The precious flame of democracy is glowing bright. Let's ensure that it doesn't dwindle, but instead spreads throughout the land.

Joe Brewer
The Rockridge Institute

* * *

Submit questions or comments to "Ask Rockridge" using the links below:

Rockridge Nation Home Page

Ask Rockridge: Who Is Really Winning the Primaries? -- Comment Here

Submit Questions for Rockridge Nation Staff and Community.

Rockridge Nation is a community project of the 501 C-3 Rockridge Institute. The weekly question posted here at BuzzFlash is designed to help readers express progressive views and values in the ongoing dialogue that is politics.

Thinking Points: Communicating Our American Values and Vision -- A Progressive Handbook (Paperback) by George Lakoff and the Rockridge Institute.

Read BuzzFlash.com's Full Review.

Click here to order.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

buzzflash | delicious | digg | yahoo | technorati