By David Washington of J & Washington LLC, for The Orlando Voice
In the modern political arena, the story is the strategy. We recently observed a fascinating example of this in a passionate “letter to the editor” from Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost.
As a team that specializes in data, behavioral science, and persuasive communication, J & Washington see this document not just as a letter, but as a case study in narrative craft. Congressman Frost’s letter to the Orlando Sentinel opinions page is a masterful piece of storytelling.
This isn’t just a letter; it’s a direct-response sales piece. It’s designed to make you feel the struggle and to act by supporting Frost and Senate Democrats who refuse to approve a clean continuing resolution to fund government operations until November 21st. We get it. Catherine N’s story specifically resonates with me. It’s emotionally resonant and, from a technical standpoint, very well-executed.
We then look at this letter through the lens of independent research. When we move past the compelling stories and simply analyze the claims, we find a common gap in modern political discourse. Much of the analysis available simply affirms the emotional narrative; it validates the constituents’ feelings and amplifies their stories.
This creates a feedback loop that shields ideas from scrutiny. Both the human-crafted narrative and the affirming echo of supporting analysis share the same critical omission: the math.
Congressman Frost’s platform is one of passionate activism, and the policies that align with this activism—such as the permanent expansion of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies—carry immense financial weight.
While the story is about fighting for the working class, the data points to a looming problem. Economic and financial leaders, both inside and outside of government, have repeatedly warned about the nation’s financial health. The proposal to make enhanced ACA subsidies permanent, for example, is projected by budgetary experts to add an additional trillion dollars to the United States deficit over the next decade.
This isn’t an abstract number. This is a massive injection of spending at a time when the nation is already grappling with significant inflationary restraints and mounting debt concerns. This spending places a direct, detrimental strain on the long-term financial well-being of the country—the very foundation of the “economic opportunity” the Congressman champions.
A passionate narrative is a powerful tool. But governing is not storytelling; it is accounting. It is a game of trade-offs.
The public deserves more than just compelling stories from its leaders. It deserves a balance sheet. We must, respectfully, ask for the math that makes the narrative possible.
David Washington is The Orlando Voice Political Editor and J & Washington LLC Founder.