The Messenger Is More Important Than The Message

I expect a strong victory by Barrack Obama in the upcoming presidential election.

There are parallels to the Reagan Revolution in 1980. In that election, Reagan demonstrated his skills as the "great communicator." He popularized conservatism by communicating his message of smaller government and less regulation. Reagan did it when the country was in an economic and political malaise, dissatisfied with the Carter administration. Reagan didn't bend his views to the popular will. Instead, he bent the public will to his views. Result: the country elected him, embracing conservative theories that hadn't been strongly advocated since the Goldwater era.

We're seeing the same phenomenon now. By the strength of his political charisma and communication skills, Obama is connecting with the middle range of the political spectrum. He is re-popularizing the traditional democratic liberal ideals of social improvement through governmental programs. He is bringing back a message that lost steam after the Johnson administration. Obama's programs are branded by Republicans as "tax and spend." But the messenger is so good that he can bring people around to his view.

These are hallmarks of major political figures: using the force of their communication skills to align public opinion with their policies. In this way, the Messenger is more important than the Message. Without the right Messenger, the Message is lost.

Paul Revere's Ride--in 2008

In Boston recently, I stopped in front of the statute commemorating Paul Revere. I got to thinking, if Paul Revere were alive today, what would he warn us about?

• The Terrorists are coming! The Terrorists are coming!
• The Credit Crisis is coming! The Credit Crisis is coming!
• The election is coming! The election is coming!

Things are much clearer in hindsight. The dangers facing us today seem diffuse and different. The best way to move ahead in an uncertain world is to to identify the most important priorities and follow those. And if you can find your own Paul Revere--someone who shares your priorities and is on the lookout for problems--follow Mr. Revere's advice.