Too busy to be personal? That is so not where tea partiers like us are today

1. Old-style Republican get-out-the-vote campaign tactic: GOP candidate for Kennedy seat here in Taxachusetts Scott Brown — whom we admire, will vote for and have blogged with much enthusiasm here and here — sends out an automated request for us to join his low-key Facebook fan page and invite our friends. In our usual don't-take-us-for-granted style we accepted the invitation but gently chided Brown for not putting in an appearance at a recent Newburyport Republican gathering where rumor had it he would be a surprise guest. "I want to make calls for you," we responded, "Email me." Back came this response:

Thanks, Sissy. Wish I had time to be more personal. Too busy running for Senate. I am sure you understand. Laura Goodspeed is our volunteer coordinator. She give [sic] you the details about when and where the calls are being made.

Too busy to be personal? That is so not where tea partiers like us are today. We want to know that our leaders are listening and believe we have something important to say. If you don't get the new media, your message won't get through. Enter, stage, right, Sarah Palin:

2. Social-media-savvy Republican rapid-response campaign tactic: Alabama Democrat Rep Parker Griffith switches to GOP, and even as Republican establishment types say who does he think he is, and Mo Brooks and Les Philipp gird for primary challenges, Sarah Palin pulls a surprise move, an OODA-loop tactic that might just catch them all off guard. We caught her on Twitter this afternoon with this:

Congratulations Alabama! And all Americans concerned about Capitol Hill's current agenda; Rep Parker Griffith just did the right thing. Welcome.

As we twittered in perhaps wishful-thinking mode this afternoon:

Betcha Sarah Palin will be stumpin' for Griffith before fuddy-duddy Republicans even have a chance to put their pants on.

She's used Facebook and Twitter and the op ed pages of the likes of the WSJ, NY Post and WaPo with consummate skill — not to mention her triumphant book tour deep into the heartland — explaining policy points and cutting off unfair criticisms at the knees before rumors get legs. Up close and personal. Sarah's the one.

Comments

[Gayle Miller]

I think she adores being a burr under their saddles!

[Teresa]

It seems Mr. Brown has more than a bit of a tin ear when it comes to communications. Good Grief! One wonders why he would be any different once elected than the rest of the politicos here in MA... I can see it now...

[begin future thoughtful communication]

"Thanks for the email about your concerns, I'm too busy to actually look at it, but I appreciate your sending it."

[/end future thoughtful communication]

Sheesh.

If Mr. Brown ever runs across your blog (although being such an incredibly busy man I'm sure he doesn't have the time for such mundane things) I can show him how to rewrite his note to you. Maybe he would learn something.

"Thanks, Sissy. I was so sorry to have missed the chance to attend the Newburyport Republican gathering. Perhaps we will meet at another such gathering in the near future. I would be delighted to have you volunteer for our cause. Laura Goodspeed is our volunteer coordinator. She can give you the details about when and where the calls are being made."

Now - how difficult was that? A few minor wording changes, zero extra typing time and it sounds completely different. This would leave you feeling happy rather than snubbed. (It wasn't even sent to me and I felt snubbed!!!)

Yes, you have to wonder about a pol who is so tone deaf before he's even elected.