There has been a great deal of discussion about frames and how we can use them to talk about our beliefs in ways that will sink into the mind of the electorate and render the Republican wedge issues impotent.
Here are my suggestions for some progressive policy frames. I've chosen three simple "core values" as the basis for reframing. For each, I give some useful keywords, sum it up in a "nutshell" phrase or two, then list some suggested sound bites on various policy questions that make use of that frame.
--= The American Family =
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Keywords: Help. Charity. Family. Mercy. Assistance.
In a nutshell: We're all part of the American Family. We watch out for each other. We have each other's back.
Sound bite time!
Health care
If your sister were sick and broke, would you let her suffer? No. And neither will we abandon our American family. We owe it to each other to make sure everyone's health is cared for.
Taxes
When times are tight, we all appreciate a helping hand. When times are good, we can all afford to lend that helping hand. A rich man who helps a poor man is still rich -- now he's generous and kind, too. Our tax system ought to reflect our core values, rather than standing them on their heads as it does now.
Welfare and homelessness
We're all part of the American family. Nobody gets thrown out on the street to die alone.
--= Freedom =
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Keywords: Deregulation. Freedom. Individual empowerment. Tolerance. Responsibility.
In a nutshell: Keep the government out of our business. Don't let politicians tell us how to live. Give everyone the power to make the right choices.
Sound bite time!
Abortion
We have to stop the rising number of abortions under George Bush. The government has restricted our educational options, and as a result our young people don't understand the responsibility that goes with sexual intimacy. We need better education, not more laws to tie up our courts. We need to prevent abortion in the classroom, not punish it in the courtroom. That's too little too late. And it doesn't work.
Marriage
Marriage is between God and a man and a woman. The government's got no place in a marriage. We need a constitutional amendment declaring marriage to be a matter for the church alone. Why are our politicians telling us what to do about marriage? We are married by pastors and priests, not congressmen.
Homosexuality
God gave us free will so that we could prove our righteousness to Him. Someone should explain that to our legislators sometime. It's time we quit reaching for the legislative crutch every time we find someone who disagrees with our moral values.
--= Innovation =
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Keywords: Creativity. Learning. Leadership. Innovation.
In a nutshell: We are an agile, innovative people. This has always been a uniquely American strength.
Sound bite time!
Foreign policy
The definition of insanity is, "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." When one approach isn't working, we try another. We never get so stuck in a policy rut that our enemies can predict and defeat us. We stay focused on the goal line, and call whatever plays we have to in order to score.
Scientific research
We have led the world in technological innovation. We will continue to do so by giving researchers the funding they need and then getting the government out of their way.
Energy policy
Oil worked well for us for decades. But it won't last forever. Time to innovate, and do so seriously. Extended oil and gas exploration is beating a dead horse. There may not be endless oil, but there is endless creativity here in America. That's the resource to invest in.