Exclusive | Pol behind the GOPs common sense vs. communist crazy messaging strategy revealed to be Lisa McClain

Over recent weeks, national Republicans have landed on a simple messaging line framing the midterms as a battle of “common sense vs.communist crazy,” a refrain used by dozens of speakers during the GOP midterm convention in Dallas last week.That line was developed by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), who put it in messaging guidance to other GOP offices, The Post has learned.

“For months leading into the convention, I worked with our team to build a clear, consistent message around the contrast at the heart of this election: common sense versus communist crazy,” McClain explained to The Post.“My goal was simple: put our record side-by-side with their agenda and make sure Republicans were telling that story with one voice.”In late June, President Trump began regularly describing the Democrats as communists amid the breakthrough of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in key primary contests.Trump later issued a dramatic warning about communists during his Independence Day address to the country.McClain seized on that desire to brand the far-left as communists rather than socialists and developed the “common sense vs.

communist crazy” line in response.Her team later had it poll-tested last month to ensure it was effective and began encouraging Republicans to use the phrase during House GOP conference meetings, in August recess packets, and in guidance for lawmakers’ communications directors.The refrain quickly became commonplace during House GOP leadership press conferences and the Michigan congresswoman’s TV hits.House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), for example, started reprimanding reporters who would refer to the DSA by its name instead of his preferred term: “communists.”“The left-wing corrupt media want us to call them democratic socialists.

It’s another lie,” Emmer boomed during his address to the convention.“Do not let them do it.

There is absolutely nothing democratic about socialism.B...