Rivals Differ On Tone Tack

Gov. Deval Patrick; Charlie Baker (AP)

Kicking off Morning Edition’s westbound trip on Route 9 on Monday, Gov. Deval Patrick struck a rather confident tone when speaking about the state’s economic recovery with WBUR’s Bob Oakes. Here’s the governor:

Our strategy, as you know, has been to invest in job creation and in education and in health care because that’s how we believe we make a stronger commonwealth, and we’re getting results.

Seeking re-election, Patrick has naturally been stressing his administration’s accomplishments. Though he’s also quick to acknowledge that many are hurting — as exemplified by his somber TV ad, “Tough Times” — Patrick often maintains an optimistic tone as he looks to “finish the job.”

In previewing tomorrow night’s debate here, Dan Payne questioned the tone — and the message:

Will (Patrick) continue to try and convince us that prosperity is just around the corner? … His dwelling on hopeful signs and emphasizing long-term over short-term actions won’t get it done.

Now contrast that to Patrick’s main challenger, Republican Charlie Baker. Much has been made of Baker’s earnestness — some have said sourness — in debates and on the campaign trail. Consider this headline from the Boston Globe last week: “Baker defends angry tone.”

After the first televised debate, on Sept. 7, Todd Domke wrote of the same thing:

Baker came across as an executive. He was assertive and offered facts and logic, but didn’t show much heart or humor. He tended to speak in business terms, but that appeals to a lot of voters. People know the state is in a jam and they want someone to cut spending.

What are your thoughts on the candidates’ tones? Is one particular tone resonating with you? And what does tone do to the message a candidate is trying to convey?