In politics, you’re either on-message or you are losing. Let’s get to it.
Welcome to On Message, a weekly look at where the battle lines are drawn and who is winning the war of words.
This week… PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE.
The Olympic Winter Game in Beijing wrapped up this week clearing the oppressive-regime stage for Russia to do its thing and mobilize its troops into Ukraine. Who knows? Maybe they did it to distract themselves from the 42nd anniversary of the Miracle on Ice!
Vladimir Putin had been amassing troops on the border of the former Soviet Republic for several weeks with escalating threats from NATO countries in Europe as well as the U.S.
No sooner had troops crossed the line than the U.S. hit Russia with significant sanctions and Germany decertified the 750-plus mile gas Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was still not in operation as it awaited a report on how it would impact Germany’s energy independence. And now I’m guessing the report needs to include something about the lack of benevolence from the owner/operator.
But I digress.
Now comes the interesting communication element. 2022 is a midterm election year and Republicans up and down the ticket have already started teeing off on the President for rampant inflation, onerous COVID restrictions and more as they jockey for position to take back the House and Senate.
And the temptation to add foreign policy to that list is real. But it is a far more delicate matter than I think many politicians may realize.
So here are my four keys to a Republican response to the Russia situation:
First: walk don’t run.
I know it’s tempting to jump in to the fray but don’t be in such a rush to be anti-Biden that you appear to be pro-Putin.
That advice would have helped former President Donald Trump who reminded us of his inability to choose his words carefully when he reacted to the invasion by calling the Russian leader a “genius” and that the strategy of declaring parts of Ukraine independent was “very savvy.”
Even if there’s nuance in those statements when the message gets out it will be that Trump had praise for Putin as he invades Ukraine. Not a good look at all.
Second: Let it play out.
This is a highly-complex and dynamic situation with dozens of variables at play. Jumping in early to opine is fraught with peril. Stick to a message that shows support for America and our allies and condemns Russia. Then wait for further information.
Third: Be thoughtful in any criticism.
If you are determined to go beyond the support/condemnation strategy I just laid out, do so in a way that shows you are sober and thoughtful. Help put the conflict into context without hyperbole and offer your perspective on moves the U.S.and allies should make while explaining how it would play out to our advantage. If you can’t do that – you’re not ready to weigh in.
And fourth: Turn back the clock.
Run back some of the greatest hits. If you need some inspiration, remember that nobody framed conflict between Russia and the US better than President Ronald Reagan and, by the way, your presidential nominee in 2012 called this shot a decade ago.
Overall, don’t treat this like a campaign issue. It’s bigger than that. Show your ability to lead by bringing measured and intelligent thought to the public discussion. Do that, and it will naturally become a campaign winner anyway.
That’s it for this week.
More On Message in the next issue of the Utah Political Underground.
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