What The Politically Savvy Are Saying

A really interesting piece in this morning's U.S. News & World Report about the specific language that the 2008 Democratic presidential candidates should use. It comes from longtime GOP consultant and wordsmith Frank Luntz:

On the Democratic side, we'll start with new fave Sen. Barack Obama. Luntz says he should talk about "hope" and "opportunity" and simply use his remarkable life story as the visual. "He's a natural," says Luntz, who cautions: "Out with the sound bites and in with the stories." Not surprisingly, Luntz says Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton should use hubby Bill as her visual and mouth words like "mission" and "finally"—as in a woman president.

Across the aisle, Luntz wants Sen. John McCain to talk about his trademark "reform" and "accountability." Olympics exec and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney should highlight "competence" and "good governance" and use the Olympic symbol lots. Luntz pal Rudy Giuliani should talk "success" and "results" and use the cleaned-up Times Square for his backdrop. And every candidate should brag: "I'm a leader in times of crisis." See the whole Luntz list at www.usnews.com/whispers."

Funny, I don't see the words "ethics" or "integrity" mentioned... but nonetheless, it's interesting to see what an expert thinks are the campaign buzzwords in the race for the White House.