hispanicleadershipnetwork/Flickr
Now that Republicans have decided that all of their problems can be solved through better rhetoric, the next step is obvious: GOP policymakers and candidates have to learn what it is, exactly, they're supposed to say.
To that end, a leading GOP pollster told House Republicans two weeks ago to stop talking about rape altogether. The pollster, Kellyanne Conway, told the representatives to consider rape a "four-letter word."
And what about immigration? The a conservative Hispanic group has that covered, too.
The Hispanic Leadership Network, a center-right group looking to woo Latinos to the GOP, sent Republican congressmen of all stripes a list of suggested "Dos and Don'ts of Immigration Reform" Monday afternoon. The memo was obtained by The Hill.
"Tone and rhetoric will be key in the days and weeks ahead as both liberals and conservatives lay out their perspectives. Please consider these tonally sensitive messaging points as you discuss immigration, regardless of your position," Hispanic Leadership Network Executive Director Jennifer Korn writes.
What counts as "tonally sensitive messaging points"? Some of the tips are obvious -- words like "illegals" and "aliens" are not well received, nor are phrases like "anchor babies."
But this tip was amazing: "Don't characterize all Hispanics as undocumented and all undocumented as Hispanics."
In 2013, it's apparently still necessary for Republicans to receive advice like this. Is it any wonder the party is struggling so badly to win support outside its older white base?
What's more, as Jed Lewison explained, "Before you even read word one from the memo, the fact that the group is more concerned about how congressional Republicans talk about the issue than how they vote on it is a pretty clear indication of just how backwards Republicans are on this topic. Usually in politics, advocacy groups try to achieve actual policy priorities. Here, they are just trying to stop their party from acting like a**holes -- and based on some of their advice, they must really think there's a lot of a**holes in their party."
Also note, the Hispanic Leadership Network's leaders clearly have their work cut out for them -- just this morning Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Pa.) said he opposes comprehensive immigration reform and doesn't think his party should bother reaching out to Latino voters.
Barletta went on to say that the GOP should have no interest in providing a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, claiming that most are uneducated, government-dependent individuals who wouldn't support the party.
"I hope politics is not at the root of why we're rushing to pass a bill. Anyone who believes that they're going to win over the Latino vote is grossly mistaken," Barletta said, according to the Morning Call. "The majority that are here illegally are low-skilled or may not even have a high school diploma. The Republican Party is not going to compete over who can give more social programs out. They will become Democrats because of the social programs they'll depend on."
Barletta probably hasn't seen the "tonally sensitive messaging points" just yet.
Leave a Comment:
"I see brown people!"
- Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Pa.)
Sorry I don't believe you. Let's see a cite where he says that.
In my opinion the people that want to be US citizens has never been the problem and they should have a path to citizenship.
I want to know what is our government going to do about the immigrants in this country that don't want to become US citizens and are just fine living here under the radar? If the people I talk to are any indication, there are allot more here that don't want to change their citizenship than you may know.
Lou Barletta and like minded folks need to get over themselves. But they like being privileged and do not want anyone to take their privilege from them.
Party be damned, full speed ahead! Exit to wherever they can make their compounds, I guess?
Go for it, but let the rest of us deal with this issue.
So much for Courtesy 101... huh, Lou?
Maybe Republicans should see "dumb" as a 4 letter word. They seem to be able to see "vote" as a 4 letter word (when it applies to Democrats!).
Please consider these tonally sensitive messaging points as you discuss immigration, regardless of your position," Hispanic Leadership Network Executive Director Jennifer Korn writes.
Regardless of your position??? To me, that translates as: "PLEASE LIE, for goodness sake, or our goose is cooked!".
Not just lie, lie MORE!
Don't lie more. Lie better.
"...the fact that the group is more concerned about how congressional Republicans talk about the issue than how they vote on it is a pretty clear indication of..."
Exactly how ignorant, naive, and stupid they think WE the PEOPLE really are. Talk is cheap and lipstick on a pig doesn't disguise it as not being a PIG! Latino's and others who are here undocumented are not stupid enough to believe that the GOTP just woke up yesterday and changed how they feel - so I doubt seriously that they are going to fall for "that warm fuzzy" the GOTP is pushing now.
Frankly, I'd really like to ask the GOTP why don't they recognize that "undocumented immigrants" are down as a percentage of the total US population - and why are they not aware of it? Also, exactly how do they believe that they would be able to "deport" the nearly 10 million undocumented immigrants, will "government money" be used for that, really?
The GOTP is a joke and this "softer side" is nothing but an illusion. Their true side will show after the 2014 election results are in, just wait....
AAWWW you're just miffed that libs don't have the market cornered on "focus groups" Zora, If you would get a job you would be too tired to be so angry all the time.
Just saying.
Hey Inspector Clouseau...did you even READ the article?
No, I didn't think so.
I think we can all learn from this......after reading the inspector
"Don't characterize all Republicans as stupid and all stupid people as Republicans."
Inspector -
1) I do have a job.
2) "Focus groups" are generally used by those who are "pushing something" - in regard to the GOTP it's pushing hot air around, because if one actually looks at their policy proposals - we've been there, done that and the massive failures that have ensued always tend to leave the taxpayers on the hook for the illegality & recklessness of the Oligarchy - ie - the S&L disasters of the 1980's, Enronn, WorldComm, Adelphia, Madoff, Goldmansucks, et. al!
Truth is the old, white, men that make up the GOTP are terrified of losing their sense of their own "exceptionalism & entitlement" to "other". The GOTP isn't interested in rethinking their policy positions - ie - self deportation, privatization of SS/Medicare/Medicaid, et. al. - they just want the American people to think that they have softened their tone - it's a lie.
But this tip was amazing: "Don't characterize all Hispanics as undocumented and all undocumented as Hispanics."
I think the GOP has set their expectations too high. "Anchor babies", "Hispanics", "Illegals", "Takers"...We actually have a phrase that covers all of that and more: "Human Being". If more people were in the habit of referring to others as Human Beings, they might start thinkiing about them more as Human Beings.
I'm afraid that the GOP doesn't consider anyone whose skin is not lily-white to be a human being. They're too invested in the 3/5's rule. They keep a few tokens around, but even some of them are starting to tire of the GOP's "philosophy."
If the GOP does follow the Hispanic Leadership Network's advice, I expect we will hear...well, total silence.
Hey, getting Republicans to stop acting like A$$holes in public is "progress." Particularly since you have to be one to be a Republican.
Couldn’t help but notice the person standing at the Hispanic Leadership Network podium is a blonde-haired white guy.
The question remains: Does the Hispanic Leadership Network want to help change the GOP’s offensive policies, or does it just want GOP members to stop articulating offensive policies in front of cameras and microphones?
(Paging Lou Barletta, clean-up on aisle three)
"Couldn’t help but notice the person standing at the Hispanic Leadership Network podium is a blond-haired white guy."
Giant Child
Although most Hispanics are not blond haired white guys, a few are including some Puerto Rican cousins of mine. There is a lot more variety in hue in Hispanic America than you think. That being said the GOP manages to put on stage the least representative of the whole Latin American community.
Sophia Vergara (Modern Family) is actually blond. The producers made her dye her hair to look more Hispanic.
The President just wants the credit, he's not interested in results. Like any poor leader he wants everyone to know this is happening because of him. As his Press Secretary said today, immigration reform is happening "because the president has demonstrated significant leadership on this issue."
The more I think of this, the more petty it seems. Why seek credit before anything is even accomplished?
RobDon, thinking isnt your strong suit. You may want to give your little brain a rest. Just sayin'.
MsJoanne, I appreciate your suggestion but I assure you I'm okay. Thanks for worrying about my health/well-being.
That said, I would guess you are not a leader in any respect if you think the role of a leader is to claim credit for accomplishments of the team (even prior to completion). I can recommend a few leadership books or courses if you are interested.
Even some of President Obama's Democrats are saying, "back down."
Just to note, my comment is not about the immigration specifics, rights or wrongs, just a comment on effective behaviors of leaders.
Rob: I feel strange because I used to actually think you were not a troll, that you were someone to engage with. This might be news to you, but folks already have a pretty fair sense about the POTUS and how he handles political issues. Elevate your game or risk Annie Oakley status...
Concur with Lebowsky, Robdon. This isn't you at your usual. But then we've all had our days.
What about the Dream Act?
I understand your comments, Lebowsky and NeedMoreCoffee. I was not commenting on the immigration issue, just that it is in poor form to take credit for something as a leader that involves the vested participation of those you lead. This is leadership 101.
Given that this blog frequently points out even trivial errors or faux pas of Republicans, I thought this was worthy of comment.
One could definately argue that it was Press Secretary Carney, not Obama himself and that would have merit. If it is the President's desire to get credit for himself, wouldn't you agree it would be in poor leadership taste?
And, NeedMore, to you point. I'm not even suggesting he hasn't made headway and progress in immigration, just that it is not appropriate to say as a leader, "remember, this is happening because of me."
Not really overheard at the meeting: "Hey, so 'wetback' is still ok, right?"
Yes, our task is to cut through the newly found "tonally sensitive" rhetoric to find yet again, no change in the world view of the Republican brand!
I want to hear policy proposals from the Republican side of the aisle, not a change to a more sensitive set of talking points! -Kevo
I have to say this, as I consider myself to be 100% pro-immigration. I picked up a pack of gelatin, an American brand, and someone forgot to put the directions in English. I was quite miffed, I actually said to myself, "#$%^&, this is America, why isn't this in English?!"
Nobody's perfect, not even this Democrat.
Luckily, my husband speaks Spanish and translated!
Barletta is my *cough* Congressidiot. I don't like him because he followed like a Republican puppy dog and didn't get anything done.
No, I did not vote for him, and that dumb mf-er will probably stay as my Congressidiot because of the sheer amount of stupid people we have in this district.
He passed a law that was ruled unconctitutional, banning landlords from renting to the "undocumented" as we now call them, and banning employers from employing them. Outright blamed everything that was a problem in his town on illegal immigration. Got quite famous for it on CNN.
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/pennsylania-immigration-072710
Once again, channeling Basil Fawlty: "Don't mention the [Mexican-American] war."
"low-skilled" "may not have a high school diploma" aka the GOP base.
Can't wait to see Johnny (Juan) McCain sporting his spray-on tan. "This is not orange, my friend."
I notice Republicans use words like "freedom," "liberty," "individualism," and "Constitution" a lot, too, in order to sound like real Americans. But doesn't make them so.
"I hope politics is not at the root of why we're rushing to pass a bill. Anyone who believes that they're going to win over the Latino vote is grossly mistaken,"
Evidently, politics is at the root of why he is opposing it. He doesn't have an opinion on the positive or negative aspects of reforming immigration itself, but immigrants will vote for the other party, so that is reason to oppose it. No, politics don't play in his thinking at all.
"The majority that are here illegally are low-skilled or may not even have a high school diploma. ..."
A truth from a Republican (who knew)?
My experience with field workers and day labors is that they send most of their earnings back to Mexico and not everyone wants to be an American. The way quality of life yes, but they still regard their country, their heritage, their self, with the same pride we do.
With an affordable work visa, that a less than minimum wage earner could afford, not the insanely high sponsorship visa that growers can’t afford, the number of illegals would radically decrees, and the taxable income would increases.
Then we can take down that mother flipping fence. Border fences are historically for keeping people in. Berlin Wall anyone?
Even when they get it right they get it wrong.
Not all Hispanics are undocumented. Not all undocumented are Hispanic.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/28/graph-of-the-day-illegal-immigration-has-dropped-sharply-since-2007/
"80 percent of all illegal immigration comes from Mexico and Latin America"
If you could somehow magically eliminate ONLY Hispanic illegal immigration, we'd still call it a magnificently successful campaign: 80% reduction.
They'd do well to focus on Hispanic illegal immigration. It's the truth. That's where almost all the problem lies.
It's the racist crap where there's plentiful cheering from the right when Arizona police can waltz up to any dark skinned person and demand their pay-puhs that is their primary issue. Lumping in legal residents causes backlash and it's going to happen a LOT if you expect to make use of this "tool" of law enforcement at any serious level.
The way they couple the two sentences together as if they're hand-in-hand, inseparable action items with equal priority suggests to me that they are just memorizing stuff by rote and not yet THINKING about any of it.
Same crap, different election cycle.
Selling insincerity, like pimping, is TOUGH!
Changing the tone does not vitiate the rhetoric emanating from the Republicans over the last 2 years. They must think Hispanic leaders have a short memory. They don't.
A full passenger plane from Paris to New York is losing altitude. The captain orders the crew to throw all of the luggage and non-essential equipment out of the plane. They realize that they still arent going to make it so they decide that they will have to throw some passengers out. The captain, a Mississippi Republican, explains to the passengers that the only fair way to do this is alphabeticly, so he says: "Would all of the African-Americans please come to the front of the plane" .. then he says "Will all of the Blacks please come to the front of the plane" .. then he says "Will all of the Coloreds please come to the front of the plane"
A little black boy sitting with his dad in first class says "Daddy arent we all of those things? Arent we African-American? Arent we Black? Arent we Colored?" .. the dad looks at his son and says "No son, not today. Today we are negros. We are going to let the Abortionists, Gays, Girls, Hispanics, Ladies, Latinos, Lesbians, and Mexicans go first."
Obama say--It is interesting that Mr. Barletta doesn't want his party reaching out to Latino voters but doesn't mind them reaching out to a**holes. (obamasay.com)
Juan the pot grower on the Appalachian trail thanks you. The Mexican and Colombian cartels thank you. The farmers who do not want to hire legal immigrants will thank you until they think about it. The sellers of false SSNs and phony drivers licenses may sue you.
On the bright side?-Criminals who are here illegaly might now find themselves doing life without parole rather than just getting deported!
May I play the devil here by reminding everyone that illegals are called illegals for a reason. They may be working hard or hardly working but the fact is they showed zero regard for the law.
Ahhh what the heck maybe now they will get health screening and treated for the TB or Hepatitis they brought with them.
Time for me to run before I get slammed by both sides now.
Democrats will rue the day they write this sort of thing off.
Why? Because paranoia runs rampant in GOP land?