Narrowcasting Needs No Windex
Narrowcasting, as effectively used by the Republican Party as a volunteer organization tool, does not reduce political transparency, as Purpura, Karczewski and Hanson argue.
Yes, “campaign finance reform was to increase transparency in the political process — to help people know who is supporting specific positions,” and while efforts such as the “multi-tiered marketing strategy” do allow Republicans to reach more voters through more convincing mediums (i.e. their friends and neighbors), the source of the Republican message is in no way veiled.
People know their friends and neighbors. They know whether they are active Republicans and whether that person is someone who shares their values and beliefs. When, as part of a Republican outreach effort, the neighbor spreading the message isn’t just a pawn of the party – it’s someone who feels strongly about a particular candidate enough to share the message.
Whether the party is helping encourage that person to speak out or not, the speaker is still sharing his or her own beliefs. She is not a paid lobbyist or hired gun.
Yes, “campaign finance reform was to increase transparency in the political process — to help people know who is supporting specific positions,” and while efforts such as the “multi-tiered marketing strategy” do allow Republicans to reach more voters through more convincing mediums (i.e. their friends and neighbors), the source of the Republican message is in no way veiled.
People know their friends and neighbors. They know whether they are active Republicans and whether that person is someone who shares their values and beliefs. When, as part of a Republican outreach effort, the neighbor spreading the message isn’t just a pawn of the party – it’s someone who feels strongly about a particular candidate enough to share the message.
Whether the party is helping encourage that person to speak out or not, the speaker is still sharing his or her own beliefs. She is not a paid lobbyist or hired gun.
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