"Compassionate Conservatism" at work

Republicans join to block stimulus bill
By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS and ANDREW TAYLOR,
Associated Press Writers
6 Feb 2008
WASHINGTON - The fate of $600-$1,200 rebate checks for more than 100 million Americans is in limbo after Senate Republicans blocked a bid by Democrats to add $44 billion in help for the elderly, disabled veterans, the unemployed and businesses to the House-passed economic aid package.

First, a tip o' the hat to the headline writer! "Republicans block stimulus bill" is just the framing needed! (Will any Dems pick up on this framing?)

Second - well, "second" is really contained in "first": a gentle hint to all Democratic candidates to frame this story to their advantage!

It's probably possible - easy, in fact - to put together a generic narrative into which any number of specific issues can be inserted.

President Bush accuses Congress of doing nothing to address {insert issue here}. May we remind the President that it is the leaders of his own party who are blocking legislation addressing {repeat insert here}? The Democrats have acted responsibly to address President Bush's concerns. It is the Republican leadership that continues to block this essential bill. If the President really cares about {repeat insert again, here}, he should ask the Republican leadership to pass this legislation.

See how easy it is? The narrative asserts that the Democratic members of Congress are trying to meet the President halfway, that the Republican leadership is being obstructionist, and finally puts the burden on the President to get past the impasse.

Someone with better writing skills than I could certainly craft something along these lines to have ready at the drop of a hat, for just about any issue.

Stop the madness!