I caught up with episode 2 Obamacare from the excellent BBC2 programme Inside Obama’s White House last night, and of the many details revealed about the process of achieving that healthcare goal was how the Republican party acquired and ran its opposition with the counter tagline/soundbite government takeover – born out of political consultant Frank Luntz’s meeting with a group of swing voters. It was a soundbite Republicans used incessantly to attack Obamacare proposals – and it had a significant negative effect – especially when picked up by the notorious Tea Party.

I was struck immediately with recalling how the Tory party has consistently relied on similar soundbite repetitions throughout its most recent campaign to become the government and in all subsequent comments on any initiatives and policy proposals – all of which are underpinned by the long term economic plan mantra, with other looped additions.

This is hardly new, nor exclusive to the Tories, but they have been masters at the use of this rhetorical device, most recently when Cameron managed to make a whole second paragraph of such in his response to Ian Duncan’s Smith’s resignation letter.

I mention now because the same ruse is being used by the drafters at the DfE in responding to any criticisms of the government’s current plans to implement the compulsory academisation of all state schools. The Guardian today reports how even Tory councillors are opposed to these plans, and in response – as I posted here yesterday – the drafter’s dodge has been much in evidence, as quoted in the article:

An education department spokesperson said: “Pupils are already benefitting hugely from the academies programme and thanks to our reforms more of them than ever before are going to good or outstanding schools.

“The changes we are making will put control back in the hands of teachers and school leaders – those who know their pupils best – making sure every single child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”