Architect of inflammatory soundbites

I've heard of the scenario many times. About 8 years ago the GOP changed "estate taxes" to "death taxes" on the advice of a conservative think-tank and was able to rouse public opinion to reducing the estate tax. Never mind that 80% or more of the citizens -- and probably all of the rabble -- would never be affected. The peons were readily conscripted to agitate for the rich.

But it's discouraging to read about the guy who has the job. The March 1 issue of the Washington Spectator (alas no link) has a profile of Frank Luntz, a political consultant. What Luntz does is look over the GOP position on an issue. He then crafts phrases that would make useful soundbites. Those phrases go before focus groups to determine which are the most inflammatory. Luntz delivers his findings to GOP lawmakers as scripted talking points. And all GOP lawmakers know to follow the script. We all know that an honest description of the issue is irrelevant to Luntz and the GOP. One of his products was the phrase "architects of failure" who are now "designing the rescue." It was used to describe some part of the bank bailout legislation. Not real sure what it means, but it sure is inflammatory. And effective. Bank reform is currently watered down and may not pass.