Defeating the strangers beside us
Positive messaging can be vital to winning elections. Before I get into the weeds here, I’d like to thank a Palmer Report colleague, Robert Harrington. His brilliant article “the strangers beside us” prompted me to read Ann Rule’s book, “The stranger beside me.” It was the best book I’ve read all year. And it was educational as well as haunting.
People come in all shapes and sizes, with all sorts of ideas. Each individual makes decisions for different reasons. Many make their decisions based on their pasts. Past behavior helps shape future behavior.
And in the politics of elections, many want and need to see passion. Think about it. Say you were a hiring manager and had a choice between two people to hire. One was listless and low-energy, and the other had fire in their belly, passion in their voice. They came alive with ideas, with creativity. Which person would you hire?
I understand sometimes it is difficult to be positive. But I do believe our MESSAGING needs to be positive. Our party must speak to the people in a language they understand and can get excited about.We want to inspire people. We want to turn masses of people out to vote. But they will not vote if they have no passion.
All across the centuries, activism has been fueled by passion. One never sees any of the great leaders, demotivated and gloomy. When one creates a wave — a movement — of like-minded individuals inspired, enthusiastic, and forward-looking — that’s when we win.
So, we need to up our game — to the media as well as the American people. Please turn off the television when the pundits start bashing our team. Let the media know you want to hear about what the Democrats have done and will do.
We must also highlight the GOP — and their lack of enthusiasm. The GOP is the party of fear. And they are using the politics of fear to intimidate and scare people. This message needs to be shouted. It needs to be heard by every swing voter.
We are the party of the future. And we can show it with our passion. The GOP is the party of fear — of dying dreams, infinite rage, and zero ideas. If we get that message to resonate with the American people, it will be difficult for the GOP to win another election.
