Noise, noise, noise, we're getting lost in the NOISE

[Still Sensible]

Democrats just need to really understand what the problem is. Karl Rove wasn't no freaking genius. He just figured out that the majority of the public wants simple messages. They like black and white, good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, us vs. them. And they want the message capsulized so they don't have to think about it.

That is why they have been so effective. We democrats tend to be thoughtful, recognize complexity and nuance, and care enough about our fellow man to do so.

Why is their "PORK" bullshit right now so effective even though its basically bullshit? Because the "they are wasting money and it will cost the taxpayers" is a very simple us vs. them, good vs. bad argument.

What we should be doing is employing the same tactic when our sensibilities allow it! For example, our message right now should be:

The republicans are putting your jobs in jeopardy! Us vs. them, not complex

The republicans just want tax cuts, and they proved for 8 years tax cuts don't work! Simple message

I don't listen to Limbaugh, but years ago when he first went national I figured out his was the same tactic. He blovates to fill air time, but he always hammers home the simplest black and white messages.

Simple messages and sound bites! Sure, we need to have places where people that care can go delve into the details and nuances of proposed policy... but for God's sake we need the basic message to be dirt simple!

[elizfeelinggreat]

1. and we need the courage to call them on their lies

It's hard to be bipartisan when one side is intent on war.

[Still Sensible]

5. Absolutely, as long as we can frame it in simple terms

That's how they got the chatter going about unnecessary spending in the house bill. I'm sorry, millions of dollars to Hollywood moviemakers might have been defensible (I didn't think so but somebody could gave defended it) but it made for too easy a message for the jerks on the other side... they were able to point to things like that and say "See, just like democrats they are wasting your money!"

When they attack a specific provision in the bill, our response should be "This will create XXXXX of good jobs and at the same time accomplish XXXXX."

Then get back on message "Why don't the republicans want to create these jobs?"

[Strong Atheist]

2. K&r.

[SammyWinstonJack]

3. .

:thumbsup:

[CJCRANE]

4. "The republicans are putting your jobs in jeopardy", good point nt

[Still Sensible]

6. The beauty of simple messages is that they also get you

off the defensive in a hurry. The simple "there they go again wasting your money" message has had our side in a defensive position since the House passed their version of the bill.

Our side should have been able to quickly--in a sound bite sense--deflect each criticism and quickly come back to the MAIN MESSAGE...

The republicans have become masters of this and we have not.

[Gregorian]

7. Just another thought- When the message is negative, it becomes legitimate.

Usually it's just the opposite. But when someone criticizes, people automatically trust that they know what they're talking about.

This is very much like how word of mouth can ruin a business, or make it rise above the rest. It takes a lot of positive talking to promote a business, and just a tiny amount to sink it.

People buy in to skepticism much quicker than conviction.

It's pretty much like building a house. Lots of work to build. And just moments to light with a match.

I don't know if this adds anything to the discussion. But I thought I'd blab a bit. Besides, I'm sitting here designing a house this morning.

[Still Sensible]

8. I think you're right

and I think the psychology is similar in issues elections... on issues, voters will generally turn out stronger for an issue they are against compared to their zeal for issues thet support. That's the phenomenon that Karl Rove took advantage of when he got gay marriage put on the ballot in 11 different states. He knew those irate right wingers would show up to the polls in greater numbers.