He needs to build a monster PR machine. By that I mean he needs to raise funds for a crackerjack advertising campaign all year round. Not just any advertising. But repetitive, sometimes negative-with-a-twist television ads that air during sports games, popular sitcoms and yes, news shows.
Talking points are essential. I mean disciplined, catchy slogans that are consistent throughout the party. Every party member must be prepared with witty rejoinders which anticipate opposition attacks and media gotcha questions. Concentrate on the Conservatives, not the Liberals – at least for the next few years.
But the NDP and its followers will see this differently. They will ask, “why should we sink to Conservative levels”? Why should we do it just because the Conservatives do it? Canadians are smarter than that”. The answer is simple. This is the social networking, audio/video HD 21st century. The media has indeed become the message. Most of all, advertising wins elections.
Most Canadians are not eggheads. They are apolitical regular folk whose main concerns are keeping their jobs, making sure their families are happy and healthy. They also want to be entertained after work. They are not like political bloggers. They could give a shit about Bill this and Bill that. They are far more sophisticated when it comes to interpreting the media than they are dissecting politics.
So, give a show to them. Fundraise the hell out of the country. Build a machine with a message. Make it powerful and make it stick. Policies will take care of themselves. Not making PR a priority is suicide. Look at the Liberals.
