Close Reading #1

Don’t Blame Mitt for the GOP’s Problems

By Michael Tomasky

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/23/michael-tomasky-don-t-blame-mitt-for-the-gop-s-problems.html

In “Don’t Blame Mitt for the GOP’s Problems,” Michael Tomasky explains that Mitt Romney shouldn't necessarily be blamed for his recent campaign woes. Instead, him and and his campaign are being controlled by powerful GOP factions. Yet, Tomasky doesn't totally absolve the Republican candidate. Using strong diction with pejorative connotations, Tomasky puts Romney in a very demeaning light. Also, Tomasky uses powerful metaphorical language and syntax to further criticize both Romney and the GOP factions that control him.

Though titled “Don’t Blame Mitt for the GOP’s Problems,” the article's pejorative diction is clearly intended to demean Romney. Tomasky talks about “every idiotic thing Romney has done.” He talks about how Romney “tried absurdly to defend...” He refers to Romney as “the former Massachusetts governor who seems squishy.” Tomasky is attacking him with these words. Yet, Tomasky doesn't stop there. He uses strong diction also to attack the GOP factions that control Romney. When Tomaksy talks about GOP supporters “who invented this fable about Obama,” he accuses them of being ridiculous liars. When he talks about “the rabble-rousers—Rush Limbaugh, Michelle Malkin,” he accuses Limbaugh and Malkin of stirring up anger for no good reason.

Tomasky also uses vivid figurative language that ties the GOP to some strong negative images. For example, Tomasky says GOP factions are “holding guns to Romney’s temple.” He calls Romney a “big overeager floppy-eared dog, galumphing across the lawn anxious to please their masters.” With this, Tomasky creates a strong image of Romney that stays in the reader’s mind. Had he instead chosen to say “GOP groups are making strong demands of Romney,” Tomasky’s message would be much weaker. To the reader, Romney looks a lot weaker when Tomasky calls him a big dog with a gun pointed at its head. Tomasky’s strong figurative language makes his entire message clearer.

Even syntax plays a key role in the Tomasky’s article. Tomasky uses repetition and imperatives to sharply emphasize key points in his article. For example, in each of his first three sentences, Tomasky starts with “Yes, …”, making the statements seem obvious as if we, the reader, had suggested them and he’s merely nodding in agreement. In doing so, Tomasky sets the tone for the rest of the article by opening up with blunt criticism of Romney’s campaign and briefly providing a context for the rest of the article. Repitition is also used for emphasis when Tomasky says, “These groups permit no room… whatsoever. None. Not an inch.”  Tomasky’s message even becomes harsh and snappy when he uses imperatives. In the last sentence, he says, “Face it, Republicans: he was and is your best candidate.” This last sentence seems like an appropriate end to a piece filled with repeated, blunt criticism of Romney.

Tomasky’s article looks for the reason for Mitt Romney’s campaign woes and takes a critical angle on Romney and the GOP. Using unmistakably pejorative diction, it criticizes both Romney’s actions and the GOP factions that caused them. In vivid figurative language, it compares Romney to an obedient dog that acts only to please its owner, the GOP. The article also utilizes deliberate syntax techniques to put blunt emphasis on certain key points. Whether or not the reader shares Tomasky's views, it's important to understand and recognize the powerful techniques he uses to make his message stronger.