abstract:Message discipline is the concept that politicians and other public policy advocates should talk about what is relevant to achieve their aims, and not allow themselves to be sidetracked either by their own thoughts or the questions of press or audience. Essentially, they should try to manipulate any discussion to mislead voters through "glittering generalities".
Mr. Morrissey, for example, traces his lack of respect for the American cult of messagediscipline to his disdain for American football, that most top-down of sports.