Back in 2008, I think it was, I read a book I feel all progressives need to read because it deals with effective messaging for the left from a scientific viewpoint. The book, The Political Brain by Drew Westin, analyzes from a neuroscience point of view how people vote and why, and then applies this information to how the left should deliver their message and why voters are particularly receptive to progressive values over conservative. The reason conservatives win is better messaging, not because their actual message is preferred by voters.
Progressives need to deliver their message effectively...and then they win most of the time.
Progressive Majority is one of the most effective progressive organizations around. They recruit, train and help get progressives elected to local and state level offices. They average a 50% success rate.
Part of their secret for success is that they believe in effective messaging...messaging that is proudly progressive.
In an email I recently received from Progressive Majority, they highlight their progressive, values-based messaging. See below for links to their effective arguments on various issues.
From Progressive Majority:
Politics is the art of persuasion. So when you’re running for election or reelection, or you’re arguing to pass legislation, you need talking points that persuade. Click on the hyperlinks below to access memos suggesting values-based arguments:
To defend the Affordable Care Act;
To deal with questions about Budgets and Taxes;
To promote legislation addressing Climate Change;
To defend policies that address Gun Violence;
To protect Immigrants’ Rights;
To support a raise in the Minimum Wage;
To promote Voting Rights;
and many more issues.
There are also memos that explain why to call yourself a progressive, how to talk about the Tea Party, how to talk about government, how to explain the principles of progressive economics, and much more.
One thing more. We are happy to provide our messaging workshops live to a sufficiently large crowd. If you know of an appropriate meeting of progressive lawmakers or activists where such a workshop may be welcome, please offer your suggestions to my assistant Michael Weiss at mweiss@progressivemajority.org.
Best of luck to you and your allies in the 2014 legislative sessions and elections!
I hope these resources make the rounds and progressives can make 2014 their best year yet...and I hope you all join me in
supporting Progressive Majority.