Patient Case Study #1 : Geraldine Ferraro

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOIwQSq9y8o]

Background: Former Congresswoman and Vice-Presidential candidate (Mondale-Ferraro ’84) Geraldine Ferraro told Torrance, California newspaper, The Daily Breeze: “If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman of any color, he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.”

No reason to mince words here: Communication Blunder!

Diagnosis: I am not sure what could have caused this blunder, but the damage is done. Ferraro tried to prescribe her own treatment plan which included doses of fingerpointing, denial, and ignorance , and her attempt to defend herself when she appeared on FOX News made things worse. This strategy isn’t working and has led to more negative coverage.

Prescription: Geraldine, I’d like you to try a new treatment plan that was recently approved for politicos like yourself (ones who won’t let themselves be discriminated against because they’re white). This plan includes an acknowledgement of misspeaking and a hefty dose of silence. Risks are minimal and side effects include a retreat from the forefront of election discussion and feelings of political irrelevance.