Radical Centrist

Dems better understand the mass audience

Most people like (and can understand) simple direct statements. The dems rose to power in the 1930's with simple messages like "The only thing you have to fear is fear itself" and later in the 60's, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Then on the other side was Gingrich's "Contract with America." The Bushies are masters at framing issues into simple-to-understand sound bytes. e.g. "If you're not with us you're against us." Or, the Orwellian "Clear Skys," or "Healthy Forests." Darrell Waltrip (a well known NASCAR driver), in an interview before the 2004 election said something to the effect that he wasn't into issues, he backed the man who he felt he could look in the eye. A recent National Geographic Magazine snippet (the issue featuring the report "Was Darwin Wrong") reported that 47% of the US population believe that humans appeared on earth about 10,000 years ago pretty much looking like they do today. A commentator on CNN today (Dec 10, 04) remarked that people only want to listen to comentary that reinforces their own perceptions of reality.A large percentage of Americans (the majority?) really don't want (or don't have the intellect?) to learn about and develop reasoned opinions on issues.

The dems must first, figure out what they are. It it's all things for all people they might as well resign themselves to being a perpetual minority party. If they can indentify a clear focus for their philosophy and interpert it for the masses in a straight forward way, they have a chance. Pandering to an unlimited number of causes (OK liberal causes), creates a mish mash of messages that will result only in failure.

posted by Campfire Talk @ 9:00 PM