Message, Not The Medium

There’s a fascinating debate going on in the conservative/Republican blogosphere about the CNN/YouTube circus, the breadth and reach of the GOP’s online efforts, etc. etc.  This is as good a place to start in on the conversation as any.

I find myself firmly leaning towards (how’s that for an oxymoron?) Hugh Hewitt’s point of view on this one.

Speaking as just one lonely, unimportant conservative not yet involved in online activism despite my belief in conservatism, I think I’m waiting for a clarifying Message.  And frankly, I’m not looking for a short-term message either; Iraq is but one battle — albeit an important one — in the War on Islamists.

I’m looking for someone who can articulate what it means to be a conservative, what it means to be a Republican.  Whoever does that best will win my support — right now, I’m looking very hard at Fred Thompson, but my loyalty is not to the man, but to the message.

So what is it that we Republicans stand for?  Forget how the Propaganda Wing of the Democratic Party (aka, the Old Media) frames us; that’s to be expected.  I mean how to the rank-and-file Republicans view themselves and their party?

I recommend that any wannabe Messenger start with these elements of the message:

Here.

Here.

Here.

Perhaps it’s not a time for a New Message for the GOP, but a return to the Old Message for the GOP.

-TS