This is the first of a three-part (at the moment) series of posts on how the Democrats can recover from their recent beatdown. I think each of these parts is obvious, but I welcome your comments and additions if you think I'm off base. If you like what you read, make sure to pass it on to your fellow citizens who vote (or could be convinced to vote) Democratic. Here we go ...
My feelings about the smoking wreckage left after last Tuesday’s election were summed up by a tweet from my friend Birgitta:
“So what we’ve been doing isn’t working. The fact is there are more liberal and progressive people in America than conservatives. What do we need to do to empower ourselves and make ourselves heard? I’m honestly asking. Let’s create a plan and get to work.”
I answered her with this tweet of my own:
“The first order of business will be to get serious about messaging, and stop letting the right set the terms of the debate. Let them react to our positive messaging, rather than us just hunkering down and taking fire from the crazies.”
I definitely think that’s the first, most important order of business for the Democratic party. The GOP has no defined policies other than tax cuts for the rich and the elimination of regulations on big business, neither of which can be demonstrated to help average Americans. Beyond that, the entire GOP platform consists of hammering on divisive culture warfare issues and distorting Democratic initiatives and positions on issues to spin up a conservative base animated by unfocused rage. They are absolute champions of the distortion, misdirection, and outright falsehood, all of which the Democrats never manage effectively to challenge, despite having detailed policies, programs, and ideas that are demonstrably in the interest of the average American. The answer is obvious:
“So what we’ve been doing isn’t working. The fact is there are more liberal and progressive people in America than conservatives. What do we need to do to empower ourselves and make ourselves heard? I’m honestly asking. Let’s create a plan and get to work.”
I answered her with this tweet of my own:
“The first order of business will be to get serious about messaging, and stop letting the right set the terms of the debate. Let them react to our positive messaging, rather than us just hunkering down and taking fire from the crazies.”
I definitely think that’s the first, most important order of business for the Democratic party. The GOP has no defined policies other than tax cuts for the rich and the elimination of regulations on big business, neither of which can be demonstrated to help average Americans. Beyond that, the entire GOP platform consists of hammering on divisive culture warfare issues and distorting Democratic initiatives and positions on issues to spin up a conservative base animated by unfocused rage. They are absolute champions of the distortion, misdirection, and outright falsehood, all of which the Democrats never manage effectively to challenge, despite having detailed policies, programs, and ideas that are demonstrably in the interest of the average American. The answer is obvious:
(1) Get your own message out first, before the Republicans do it for you. Clearly and positively explain the basic details and advantages of your programs and policies at every opportunity.
(2) Present your message in language that speaks to your audience ... and always remember that your audience is not hard-core progressives and academics with PhDs in arcane subjects, but people who need to be convinced that you are right - don't preach to the choir. Don't use the wonky language of policy geeks or ivory-tower academics ... speak in language the person on his (or her) way to work at 4AM, buying a coffee at the 7-11 in the most rural small town, will understand.
(3) Don't use statistics unless you can relate them directly to the day-to-day lives of average Americans. Don't be the guy who uses statistics like a drunk uses a lamppost ... for support rather than illumination. Never bog down in discussions of enormous numbers that are beyond most people's comprehension ... if a statistic can't be made directly meaningful to your audience, don't use it.
(4) Never let a distorted GOP accusation go without a response ... always push back with accurate information. However, don't get bogged down in useless exchanges of sound bites. Clearly explain why they're wrong, and move on ... after all, the first info that's out is the info people will remember, so you're fighting an uphill battle already ... you just want to have the truth out there for those willing to hear it. Don't let the Republicans dominate with volume rather than facts.
My wife, who is from Germany, notes that most Americans are uncomfortable with detailed argument, analysis, and debate. They are not used to critical, analytical thinking. They want simple, satisfying answers, even if those answers are demonstrably wrong ... when the wrong answer is more comforting, most Americans will scoop it up in the proverbial New York minute. What this means is that it’s generally useless to appeal to Republicans with data and analysis that proves them wrong, because they won't pay attention long enough to understand it, even if they don’t simply dismiss it out of hand as “fake news.” Nevertheless, the Democrats owe it to the American people to get their message out.
My wife, who is from Germany, notes that most Americans are uncomfortable with detailed argument, analysis, and debate. They are not used to critical, analytical thinking. They want simple, satisfying answers, even if those answers are demonstrably wrong ... when the wrong answer is more comforting, most Americans will scoop it up in the proverbial New York minute. What this means is that it’s generally useless to appeal to Republicans with data and analysis that proves them wrong, because they won't pay attention long enough to understand it, even if they don’t simply dismiss it out of hand as “fake news.” Nevertheless, the Democrats owe it to the American people to get their message out.
That's step one, but it's far from all that needs to be done. Part 2 of my plan to regain Democratic momentum is coming tomorrow ... more thoughts then.
Have a good day.
Bilbo
3 comments:
Bravo! How come nobody has asked you to be an adviser?
My problem is that I get frustrated with people who cannot recognize accept the obvious. I've gotten into some fairly testy debates with GOP flacks at my door who can't be bothered with anything beyond their simple, satisfying one-syllable answers for everything.
Very good start. Keep it coming.
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