Conservative Messaging II: Are we taking control?

Back in February I spoke about Conservatives taking control of their own message. Today, Joanne over at Blue Like You touched on a similar topic in method, which I have found further supported not to long ago at Sandy’s blog Crux of the Matter (and I personally love the list she has put together, please go look).

In regards to Joanne’s post, I have to agree that it is imperative that Conservatives focus less on the accusations and more on the touting. However I also believe that both have their place in today’s messaging. Specifically, I think there is a balance to be had in proclaiming our accomplishments while also indicating what would have been the result if the Opposition had their way.

The “crux of the matter” is that we have to take firm control of our message and get it out there by reminding voters of our accomplishments. Voters need to know what we as Conservatives have been able to accomplish against the staggering odds we’ve faced in the House of Commons. Between parties that will blindly vote against anything we bring forward (NDP), parties who refuse to consider anything that doesn’t somehow benefit Quebec more than anything else (BLOQ), and parties who don’t stand for anything but want to pretend to be the “big dog” (Liberals), it’s a wonder that anything was able to get done.

In fact, I think we owe the Liberals a thanks for not standing for anything these past few years. But I also think that Ignatieff’s position about not wanting to present any policies out of fear that the Conservatives might “use them” has earned them a severe spanking by the Canadian people. It’s their JOB to present reasonable alternative policies, and by not doing their job they are doing a massive disservice to this country.

All that aside, Conservatives should be using this summer to remind Canadians about just how much we’ve done for the country dispite the odds. Now is the opportunity for us to take advantage of “good news” stories and show how past actions have made us a safer and more prosperous nation.