Erin Hampson

Final Portfolio on Governor

Applied Political Writing 443

December 4th, 2018

Introduction I spent this semester following and analyzing the communications of the Governor Phil Bredesen (D.) in the 2018 ’ Senate race against now Senator (R.). Governor Bredesen served as the Mayor of Nashville and the Governor of before campaigning for Tennessee Senator. He is a Democrat in a predominately Republican state but was very well liked while in office and following his time in office. Gov. Bredesen is seen as a man that can work well with Republicans and can bridge the gap between the two sides of the isle. This semester I learned that being well-liked is not a guarantee that someone will be voted into any office, including Senator. This election cycle was unique in comparison to midterm elections prior to the 2016 general election, in that I think voters continue to be swayed to vote based on varying levels of passion or fear. Additionally, I learned that communication tactics that focus on voters’ passions, emotions, and fears should not be underestimated or discredited as unsuccessful. In class we discussed, and this proved itself to be accurate in my analyzation of this campaign, that Democratic politicians tend to speak to the more facts based or logistic side of issues while Republicans have more success in speaking to the more emotional and passionate side of issues.

1 Table of Contents

1. Message Box……………………………………………………………………...…page 3

2. Media Advisory….…………………………………………………………….....…page 4

3. Talking Points……………………………………………………………………page 5– 6

4. News Release……………………………………………………………………page 7– 8

5. News Story……………………………………………………………………page 9 – 10

6. Speech……………………………………………………………………...…page 11 – 14

7. Communications Plan………………………………………………….….…pages 15– 16

8. Word Cloud……………………………………………………………………...…page 17

9. Op-ed……………………………………………………………………….…page 18 – 19

2 Message Box

Tennessee US Senate Campaign: Phil Bredesen (D) - us, running against Marsha Blackburn (R) - them Us on Us Them on Them -moderate Dem -N/A -Loyal to TN, experienced in politics, knows the people (former Nashville mayor, then TN governor) -Very well educated, Harvard alumni -came from a working family, divorced, mother went to work -Humble man, didn’t except salary as governor -Founded his own insurance company -as Nash. Mayor (added hundreds of teachers, 30+ new schools, renovated more, brought in sports teams to increase state revenue, served twice) -as TN Gov. (elected in second run, focused on improving schools, and fixing TennCare, reduced the TennCare cost by $500 mills, created new healthcare program for preexisting, raised teacher salary, “war on meth,”) easily won reelection -Corker liked him, worked well together, “crossover appeal”

-Not from TN, born in NJ, raised in NY, lived in MA - N/A -Ran to represent MA in the senate in 1969 -against the true 2nd Amendment interests of the people (vetoed against guns in bars, vetoed was over ridden) - "Bredesen's Bunker," (4.8 million-dollar entertainment annex under governor’s mansion, waste of even private money) -too middle of the road, remaining moderate to gain appeal/votes, more liberal than he lets on -pro-choice on abortion -goes back and forth on social issues (no to gay marriage, yes to same sex parents adopting, yes to loaded guns in cars, no to guns in bars)

Them on Us Us on Them

3 MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: Erin Hampson September 11, 2018 Phone: 704-290-9342

Senate candidate Former Gov. Phil Bredesen to kick off Conversation Tour at Maplewood Highschool on Thursday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, Nashville’s Mayor , and Nashville’s State Rep. welcome citizens from all across the state to join them on the football field of Maplewood Highschool on Tuesday, September 13th at 6 p.m. for an honest dialogue about some of the most crucial issues the state can work on together – what are his top messages, those should be what he is discussing, or its too vague. Following this event, Bredesen will continue this tour to continue the productive conversation.

Bredesen looks forward to spending time with local men and women in a space that feels common sense to all Tennesseans; a high school football field. There will be a few food vendors to provide dinner and face painters to welcome all families to the event. Bredesen knows from experience that bringing together real people from all sides of the issues is the best way to create realistic solutions. As a former CEO, mayor, and governor, Bredesen has spent years working for and serving the people of Tennessee and he is excited to maintain a personal relationship with them. He will be discussing the three most important things to Tennesseans; healthcare, education, and our economy. What better place to have a common-sense conversation than on a football field?

WHO: Senate Candidate Phil Bredesen Nashville Mayor David Briley State Rep. Jim Cooper

WHAT: Conversation meeting for Tennessee residents

WHERE: Maplewood Highschool 401 Walton Lane Nashville, TN 37216

WHEN: Thursday, September 13 at 6 p.m.

WHY: To bring common sense back to Washington.

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4 Talking Points: Phil Bredsen

Spoken by the candidate

Event: Discussion at Nashville High School

• I am the Democratic candidate in this year’s Tennessee Senate Race, an experienced leader and a friend to many on both sides of the isle – you may remember me as your former Governor. Tennessee is my home, and I will continue to work for the betterment of it for my neighbors everywhere. Serving Tennessee all as your Governor was one of the greatest joys in my life, second only to being your neighbor and friend.

• Having started a business in Tennessee myself, I appreciate the hard work it takes to create and maintain a business is the current economy. Bridging the gaps between company exec’s and hard-working men and women is crucial to moving Tennessee forward.

• Growing up with divorced parents, a working mother, and supporting an elderly grandmother, family values have always remained a central focus of my life and therefore my time in office. Supporting families, especially women, mothers, and children through education policy initiatives is one of the things I am most proud of as my time as Nashville’s mayor

• As the Mayor of Nashville, I committed to improving our schools by bringing in hundreds more teachers and improving facilities. More than just that, I brought a curriculum to Nashville focused on the basics and fundamentals of learning.

• As Tennessee’s 48th Governor, I worked tirelessly to stabilize our state’s economy. Part of this was done by adjusting TennCare to fit the realistic, common sense needs of our great state’s people. Taking out parts where we could, my team and I were able to bring our health care plan back into our practical budget; a budget that both my Democrat and Republican colleagues worked with following its establishment.

• From my own experiences starting my own business, supporting our state’s educators, and working to improve everyday citizens’ healthcare I learned about the people of Tennessee. I learned how difficult it can be to support a family in this society we find ourselves in, on more than one level. Which is why I championed programs to both reform workers’ compensations and address methamphetamine use. These programs were developed with our families, neighbors, and friends in mind; how do we ensure Tennesseans are making living wages, and living a life worth waging for?

• Looking at what I can do now for Tennessee, I am excited and determine to take what I have learned from you all to Washington to bring some common-sense policies to three areas every person here and in Tennessee is impacted by; the economy, healthcare, and education.

5 • I support the efforts to fix our state’s economy. We have seen that Tennessee has “generated more than $34 billion in new business investment” since we have begun to work together, and I will only continue to build on that momentum.

• Aside from working with leaders in our communities coming from all walks of life, another passion of mine is Healthcare. I built a health care management company and put together a book on fixing, reforming and building a sustainable health care system. As your next Senator, I will continue to champion these issues until there is no Tennessean that cannot afford or access health care.

• Education has always been a main focus of my times serving in political office. As every parent, educator, or kind neighbor knows; these children are our future and education is the key for them and every Tennessean to reach the highest level of success. Working with leaders in higher-education for ways to make college degrees more accessible has been and will continue to be on my agenda as your next state Senator.

6 For Immediate Release Contact: Erin Hampson September 25th, 2018 Phone: 704-290-9342

Senate Candidate Gov. Bredesen dedicates first stop of discussion tour to working parents with an event complete with dinner and entertainment, welcoming to all families

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Senate candidate, Governor Phil Bredesen, Nashville Mayor David Briley, and Nashville State Rep. Jim Cooper welcomed educators, students, parents, and community leaders, and over 100 local residents of the greater Nashville area to the football field of Maplewood High School to begin discussing and collaborating on his education policies. The event took place in an atmosphere of team building, dinner table collaborations, and fun for children of all ages in attendance.

Governor Bredesen directly addressed some of the biggest issues facing families of Nashville. “The big players in Washington need a lesson in common sense policy. They could learn a thing or two from us Tennesseans about hard work, supporting our families, and supporting our neighbors. I have learned these same things here in Nashville, which is why I made sure to provide programs to reform workers’ compensation levels and put a stop to methamphetamine use once and for all.” Gov. Bredesen continued, “Up in Washington, our leaders can get too caught up in who is “left” and who is “right.” It is time that differences are put aside and the common good of all Americans are prioritized. I look forward to bringing together friends from all sides of the aisle to work for a better place to raise our children and our nation’s next leaders.”

Governor Bredesen opened the conversation following brief introductions from Mayor Briley and Representative Cooper. The energy was high when constituents in attendance were open to ask more questions and contribute their ideas following dinner and while their children played close by with face painters and small carnival activities. There were members of Gov. Bredesen’s staff on site taking diligent notes on the ideas being contributed and those that shared the ideas, to promote follow through on the ideas and follow up with the individuals.

“I am very pleased with this event. It was incredible to reconnect with my Nashville neighbors, meet new neighbors, and begin a true dialogue about how best to bridge some specific gaps in Washington that are affecting people here,” said Governor Bredesen following the event. “This event tonight represented the heart of our Tennessee, the Tennessee I will be excited to bring to Washington.” Nashville native and mother, Tracey Thomas added. “Having our future Washington representative here with us, on our home turf, truly sent the message that Governor Phil is for us – he is for all Tennesseans.” ###

Exclusive given to Joel Elbert of Tennessean.com for his steadfast state coverage.

7 News Story Democrats Remain Confident, Less Than a Month Out from the Tennessee Senate Elections

Nashville, TN – Recent polls show that Republican Senate candidate Rep. Marsha Blackburn has gained a lead over her Democratic opponent former Governor Phil Bredesen, but Bredesen’s team are not showing signs of major concern. While more than one poll has now placed Blackburn ahead of Bredesen, the Governor’s team has countered that internal polls they have been running are maintaining that the Tennessee Senate seat is still very much available.

One reason that Bredesen’s team remains hopeful was the huge spike in voter registration that followed superstar ’s public announcement and endorsement of both Bredesen and voting in a state, local, or national elections.

Sarah McKain, a recent graduate from the University of Tennessee working in health care medicine, notes that “seeing Taylor [Swift] move from being noticeably silent on politics to then making such a bold and direct statement speaks to the current political climate and should be taken seriously. Her fan base are mostly millennials that have recently become eligible to vote.”

In the days immediately following Swift’s post, Tennessee saw a voter registration increase of over 2,000 people, which roughly matches the same amount of registrations that came in during the entire month of September. It is not clear which way these thousands of new voters will cast their ballots, but Swift’s endorsement of both Governor Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for the House of Representatives has the Democratic teams optimistic.

Following the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh on Saturday, October 6th, 2018, Blackburn has remained steadfast in her support for both Justice Kavanaugh and President Trump. Governor Bredesen took the opportunity to point towards bipartisanship and coming together moving from of a polarizing event.

The Democratic candidate’s stance calls back memories of current Republican Senator ’s comment from April, ““I think [Bredesen]’s got real appeal — I don’t think it, I know it.” Governor Bredesen’s campaign centers on common sense policies and bridging gaps between Republicans and Democrats, something that Marsha Blackburn does not appear to focus on as much.

McKain, who self-identifies as an issue voter rather than a straight party voter, notes that “at this point, my friends and I are less concerned with outlandish speeches and dramatic declarations. We are looking more at, and voting base on, where the actual policies from the candidate will take Tennessee and in what demeaner we want to be represented with.”

The current polls do not have Democrats in Tennessee discouraged, and they are finding confidence in voter registration increases, support from celebrities and opposing politicians alike, and are remaining steadfast in their messaging of bringing together all Tennesseans in November. Only time will tell if all these things prove to be enough come election day, on November 6th.

8 Phil Bredesen – Biographical Speech

Good morning everyone, thank you for being here today! Welcome to our Nashville stop on the “Common Sense Conversations” tour that my hardworking team has put together for us all.

My name is Phil Bredesen and I am working to be your next Tennessee Senate member over in Washington, D.C.

I would like to tell you about myself, so that you know who is representing you and our collective interests.

I was born in a small town in New Jersey and spent my time growing up in an even smaller town in upstate New York. Those places taught me more than just a few things but here are two big lessons; I prefer the warmth of Tennessee to North Eastern winters, and that small-town, close knit values take communities further than anything else.

When I was a child, my parents went through a divorce. What came from that was actually a deeper, more integrated relationship with our neighbors in our town.

My mother was employed at a time when not enough women were given the chance. My grandmother helped raise me when she moved in with the family.

Neighbors and friends from all walks of life would look out for me, give me my first jobs, and hold me accountable throughout my teenage years – and in fact to this day, I still have to answer to some tough New Yorkers about things I do down here in Tennessee. The accountability of a small town never quite leaves you.

As you can imagine, receiving a scholarship to a university to study physics was a life changing experience for me; a small-town, bank teller’s son backed by the love and support of a no- nonsense community.

This incredible opportunity has not ever been lost on me. I knew from that time that I wanted to contribute to the world around me and add to things where I could.

Post-graduation from , I made the move to full time working life and began what I didn’t know then, would become a career of serving my nation.

I began working for Itek Corporation, which was a defense contract company that the United States’ government used. This experience began to shape my inherent values given to me from my upbringing and molding them towards public service.

From there, I put my foot in the political pool in working on the Democratic campaign team for a man named Eugene McCarthy.

9 Representative McCarthy was a hard worker who loved the people he represented in Minnesota. Learning from him solidified my interest in public office and inspired me to run for my first office, Massachusetts State Senate.

While I lost that race, the fire in me for public service was started and continues to burn to this day.

After spending a few years in London working for a pharmaceutical firm and, to my mother’s pleasure, putting my science degree to good use, I met my wonderful wife Andrea. I was more than happy to support her career and move back to the States to what has become my home for decades now; Tennessee.

See, that fire that I mentioned starting in me when I worked on a political campaign fresh out of school? It was still in me when I settled into life here in the great state of Tennessee.

Those values that I had ingrained in me from being raised in small-town New York? Fit right in, here in Tennessee. I felt that I had found a true match here, and lucky for me, Tennessee and you all seemed to agree with me on that!

In a professional sense, I have always been passionate about health care, and spent my first decade in Tennessee as a business owner of a health insurance company. This time in my life got me well acquainted with the heart of Tennessee; our people.

When I could not fight that fire burning for public service any longer, I knew what I had to do. I sold my piece of what is called controlling interest in the health insurance company. A year later, I first ran elected to represent the incredible people of Nashville as their mayor.

I lost that race, my second political race to serve people that I admired and respected. But I learned more in that time than I could tell you all now. The respect and privilege to serve the people of Tennessee is hard fought and certainly worth the battle.

Losing that second race and my first in Tennessee brought me back to square one and re-evaluate what I knew for sure. I knew I loved public service, I knew I had found a long-searched for home in Tennessee, I knew this community was one that I wanted to remain in and serve.

I knew I would run again.

I spent the next few years further ingraining myself in the Nashville community. The people I came to know were more than just hard working; they were clever, they were empathetic towards their neighbors, they were resilient in hardships, they were some of the best things the United States has to offer in the world.

In 1991, I was elected as Nashville Mayor. Count that on the list of things I never would have believe as a kid in a small town!

10 As Mayor, I did my best to bring Nashville out of an economic downturn it had been experiencing.

I had seen just how crucial our education systems are to the long-term success of our city and state and knew that adding hundreds of teachers and bringing our curriculum back to basics would alleviate stressors in that sense.

I capitalized on all that Nashville has to offer and encouraged the growth of our sports teams! Welcoming in the and was a fun highlight that also provided hundreds of jobs here.

Libraries were built, and parks were established. Nashville was thriving, and I felt myself looking further to how I could help the entire Volunteer state of Tennessee.

In my time of running to serve as the , there were more than one instance where I was brought back down to earth by a common-sense neighbor here. One of the times that stands out to me the most happened at an event similar to this one.

I was doing my favorite part of public service and my favorite part of an election race; talking with people. It was just after I had given a speech on all my planned initiatives and programs and policy ideas.

I was meeting the people I hoped to serve, and a woman named Kathy McKain approached me. Mrs. McKain looked me square in the eye, shook my hand, and said a few sentences I cannot ever, and do not want to, forget.

She said, “Sir, I respect what you’ve done here and what you are trying to do for Tennessee. But I have to say, you are off the mark. We aren’t people that want a politician directing us from a far. We are people that want a neighbor of ours to go far for us. You have to keep it common sense, don’t over complicate it all.”

At the time, I was at a loss for words. Once the event was complete that day, I actually sat down and wrote out what she had said. I knew that it would be my guiding principle in what would come to be my two terms as Governor, and now as I ask to represent the people of Tennessee, my neighbors, as your Senator.

As Governor, with the help of an incredible staff, we were able to focus on three main areas of our state structure; healthcare, education, and the economy.

Every person, neighbor, and Volunteer in Tennessee are in impacted by one or, more likely, a combination of these three things.

My team and I, over the course of both my terms, brought our economy back to stable terms, we increased improvement policies for our education system, and worked tirelessly on creating a healthcare system that fit the needs of Tennesseans.

11 After my time as Nashville mayor and two terms as Governor, I am asking you all, my neighbors, friends, colleagues, and supporters to allow me to serve and represent you all on a larger scale; the United States’ Senate.

You have seen the work I have done thus far in my career. You all have essentially lived out my resume with me. I promise you that I will continue on the path you have allowed me to make for us.

And I can assure you of my grounding mantra, given to me by Mrs. McKain a few years ago. “We aren’t people that want a politician directing us from a far. We are people that want a neighbor of ours to go far for us. You have to keep it common sense, don’t over complicate it all.”

Keep it common sense. Do what is right for Tennessee. Do not over complicate it.

Less theatrics. More substance.

Less performances. More conversations.

Less polarization. More middle ground compromises.

I have always been, and will continue to be, humbled to serve you all in any form.

Thank you.

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14 Word Cloud

Business Insider - A Democratic Campaign that Looks Nothing like the 'Resistance' Could e the Democrats' key to Flipping the Senate

News Chanel5 Network - Bredesen: Migrant caravan chance to show we're 'grown-ups

CNN Politics - Tennessee Senate race: Phil Bredesen goes all in on pledge to break with Democrats

15 Op-ed for Phil Bredesen

Mother for the Common-Sense Candidate

As a native Tennessean, and mother of three wonderful children, I have been an voter since I became eligible to vote over two decades ago. In being an informed voter, I take my time to actually read through and understand the policies being suggested by politicians and compare how these policies would directly impact the lives of my family and my neighbors. I pride myself on setting aside intentional time to decide during each election what is beset for my friends and family.

I am writing today to inform all readers that Governor Phil Bredesen is the candidate that makes the most common sense for all of Tennessee as our Senator in Washington, D.C.

In full honesty, I typically would feel more inclined to vote for women candidates when possible. This was my frame of reference or my bias going into this election cycle. Truthfully, I surprised myself a little bit in finding Governor Bredesen as the candidate to vote for.

Other candidates running for this elected position do not represent our values of sincerity, understanding, and bridge-building. It has become more and more popular in recent years for politicians to prey on the scary parts of life and what frightens people most in order to gain votes into offices.

I am confident that the people around me; my Tennessee friends, family, and neighbors, will not be driven to vote based on fear, which so many politicians are all too willing to call to mind and remind us of each and every day.

Governor Bredesen has earned my respect in not pretending to know everything about Tennessee and our values but being open to learn and better understand our priorities since he first moved here decades ago. He is a real person that has worked hard to come to understand the values we hold most dear in Tennessee.

As a mother of three, I spend a great deal of time thinking about a few subjects; my children’s’ education, my family’s healthcare, and where my family stands in this economy. Governor Bredesen has directly addressed each of these areas in his plan.

Not only is he an expert in healthcare after starting his own a healthcare insurance company, but Governor Bredesen truly cares about the health of Volunteers in Tennessee. Not only does he have a proved track record for supporting educators, but he cares that each student has a true grasp on what they are learning in school. Not only does Governor Bredesen take a practical stance on the economy, but he goes further to support local businesses and the growing markets in Tennessee.

If we are lucky enough to have Phil Bredesen as our next Senator, Tennessee would lead by a man that believes in servant leadership. When our leaders see their role as serving their constituents, politics move away from citizens being told to just let the politicians make

16 decisions and towards a system of leaders listening to the needs and concerns of the voters. Once we have leaders in Washington that listen and purpose thoughtful solutions, our state will change for the better.

Governor Bredesen has been and will continue to be that kind of leader for Tennessee. There is no other politician running that knows, respects, or values the opinions of Tennesseans more than Mr. Bredesen. He is the type of politician that I would be proud to tell my children is one of the foremost leaders of our state.

Leading up to every election, there is a lot of emphasis on voting and voting a certain way. Once the ballots are cast and the next group of leaders are decided on, people seem to forget about politics until the next election cycle.

One person that will not ever be forgotten, because of his continued commitment to Tennessee and the people in it, is Phil Bredesen. And I know for certain, with a Senator Bredesen, Tennesseans will not ever be forgotten either.

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