Framing the Debate on the Campaign Trail

The Rockridge Institute reported  that Presidential hopeful John Edwards is framing debates using progressive values. Why is this important? Simply, a new frame introduces a new conversation about an issue. And this gets people thinking differently.

On the front page of The New York Times, Edwards  says,

Some people come from nothing to being wildly successful and their response is, 'I did this on my own.' I came to a different conclusion. I believe that I did work hard, and I think people should work hard, but I think my country was there for me every step of the way.

The italics emphasize the new frame, and repositions our federal government's responsibility to help Americans build their dreams. While some may disagree, the point is there's hidden truths to American  taxation, which are available at Progressive Taxation: Some Hidden Truths.

Framing is an important public relations tool. What we say as professionals, and how we say it shapes the perceptions of those with whom we communicate. And the more times they hear, read or see a frame, the more they remember it. And that's one way we build perceptions and influence behavior toward issues.