Where Are The Great Communicators?

I recently read Charles C. W. Cooke's blog post entitled "Where Are the Great Communicators?" published in National Review.  Then I read it again.  And then again.  I have to say, I find it to be a very thoughtful and reasonable and fascinating commentary on the communication style employed by the current administration.

Charles C. W. Cooke is the editor of National Review Online.  He is a conservative writer, albeit one who doesn't perhaps fit into the stereotypical conservative box.  He's English, for a start, emigrated to the US in 2011.  He has written for the Washington Post and the New York Times, and has several times appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher.  He supports the legalization of marijuana and same-sex marriage, and is a self-described atheist (Wikipedia).  All of his background and his open critiques of Donald Trump and his administration combine to make me ask, who is his audience?  I'm not sure.  He is the editor of a major blog/online magazine, and his writing style is charismatic and clear. But his message contrasts in tone and content with the vast majority of the conservative articles and blog posts that I have seen.  I do know, that after reading this blog post, I plan to become part of his audience.  And I am definitely NOT a conservative.

Cooke's argument is with the communication style of the Trump administration, particularly around the recent announcement of its new health care plan.  He states that both the White House and the Congressional Republicans have been on the defensive with the media, and are putting their energy into pointing out "fake news" instead of communicating their plans in a clear and persuasive manner.  Cooke points out that the Republicans are now in control of the White House and Congress, and yet they are still communicating in the reactive style that they used during the Obama years.  He suggests that much confusion and public outcry could be avoided through the use of clarity, and the communication of plans before dropping surprise policies.  He also laments the lack of charm and statesmanship being shown, which would serve to smooth out some of the relationship issues between the media and the current administration.  

I really enjoyed reading this blog post, and am inspired by the idea that much of the drama and bipartisan reactionism could be alleviated with the use of a more thoughtful and inclusive communication style on the part of the administration.