I do believe that President Obama sometimes gives the general public too much credit with understanding the english vocabulary. For example, when he conducted a AARP townhall, a caller asked about the "death panels." He said that this would be "kind of morbid." Some people talk like this all the time, but many, many americans don't and would never use words like "morbid" in their every day conversation.
The White House should send grouplets to the deep south, for example, and have them attend Sunday morning services in old-fashion-good-ole-boy-fire-and-brimstone baptist churches. Pay close attention to the words used by these preachers--which is, very simple and very emotional. These people use simple vernacular to communicate effectively with their flock. Likewise, President Obama--and his surrogates--should do the same to communicate effectively to this Nation.
Do's and Don'ts:
1. Don't say, "That would be kind of morbid". Do say, "That would be horrible, and if anyone tells you I want this, they are lying! Don't let people lie to you."
2. Don't say, "The other side has distorted information." Do say, "When Senator Grassley said that real healthcare reform would 'pull the plug on grandma', then he is not telling the truth. Don't just take my word for it, read the House bill for yourself. Its on the Internet."
3. Don't say, "The public option is a viable plan." Do say, "This public option is going to lower your premiums. Isn't that what you want? Better coverage and lower premiums? Check out the facts. Don't let people lie to you."
4. If a questioners asks, "How can the private insurance companies compete against the government?" Do say, "Insurance companies have been around before this country was founded, I have every confidence that they will compete successfully. Now, they may have to cut expenese. For example, maybe their top-executives will have to live on $2 million per year salary instead of $100 million. Maybe they will be limited to buying 2 houses instead of 4 or 5."
Please sir, talk to the country. Speak plainly. Keep it very, very simple. No lectures. Keep the answers short, direct and forceful.
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You are saying that President Obama should speak the language of the people. The people should ask the questions that a president should answer. president obama should speak in a way that connects and not assume that the people have no knowlegde of his speeches.
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