'Political Theater, Not Debate' Says Branding Expert Alan Siegel

Published on Oct 4, 2008 - 8:37:33 AM

By: Siegel+Gale

NEW YORK, Oct. 3 2008 - "Last night was political theater, not a real debate," says Alan Siegel, Founder and CEO of leading brand strategy firm Siegel+Gale. "The American people are yearning to hear the authentic, credible voices of the candidates in these debates -- not prepackaged 'message points,' winks, or posturing."

Mr. Siegel pioneered the concept of "Corporate Voice" over 25 years ago. Since then, he has been helping the world's leading corporations and organizations develop powerfully positioned, clear, consistent, and resonant communications to their many audiences.

Following is Mr. Siegel's assessment of the "Voices" of the candidates in last night's debates:

Joe Biden's "Voice"

"Biden's voice was clear (although he was hoarse), confident, credible, genuine, passionate, responsive and respectful, commanding and vice presidential."

Sarah Palin's "Voice"

"Palin's voice was perky and enthusiastic, friendly, down-home, programmed, colloquial, ditzy, predictable, and at times modestly contentious."

Overall Observations

"The moderator contributed to the lack of debate by allowing Palin to insert her own programmed responses instead of answering the questions."

"Palin's repeated name dropping -- trying to prove that she could pronounce difficult names -- was annoying."

"Inserting her meeting with Kissinger into the conversation was laughable."

"During a time of such national crisis, the American people deserve more."

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