When folks hear the word “Democrats,” what comes to mind?
Earlier this year I wrote a well-received Daily Kos diary about a very effective bumper-sticker messaging campaign implemented decades ago by Progressives in my hometown. In response to a reader’s comment, I wrote the following:
Just as an example, with a concerted effort at branding, folks might start immediately associating “Democrats” with “The people who invented and protected Social Security.”
So that when Republicans come along and say “Social Security is in crisis and needs to be radically changed in order to save it!” folks might be more likely to think — um, thanks, but I’d like to get a second opinion from “The people who invented and protected Social Security” because if “The people who invented and protected Social Security” say it’s not actually in crisis and could just use some simple tweaks, I’d tend to trust their opinion.
OK, let’s promote the brand
I’ve ranted for years about the need for better Democratic messaging. Well, enough talk. Time for some action. Based on that comment, I decided to design a bumper sticker...then I designed some more…
I’ve set up a simple shop at this address:
cafepress.com/donkey
The messages are available on magnetic and regular bumper stickers, and on T-shirts.
Please note: I’ve set zero markup, so if you like these products, you can get them at CafePress’s base price. If you place an order, 100% of your payment is going to the printer and shipping service, none to me. I’ve bought them and can attest that these are high-quality products.
When it comes to messaging, we don’t have to depend on a centralized organization. We can creatively and actively do messaging ourselves at the grassroots.
Postscript
Just to be clear: I’m not arguing that Democratic messaging is the only thing we need to be concerned about or the most important thing. I believe it’s an important thing we can and should work on.
And putting a message on our car or T-shirt is a pretty easy way for many of us to participate in this effort, right away.
cafepress.com/donkey