In May of 2011, novelist Barry Eisler published a short read primer on how those on the political left suck at communication skills. It’s only 42 pages and we could all use the advice about now.
On this site, we often succumb to making ourselves feel better when we highlight “gotcha” moments, like when someone puts up a diary saying “Republican Politician does something, the internet responds”, or like Jon Stewart before, we dig up old clips where a Republican is taking the exact opposite position he took years ago because it’s politically convenient today.
None of these things moves the needle.
Joe Biden, “the front-runner” is being slaughtered EVERY SINGLE DAY for being corrupt. The Republicans, once again, are setting the narrative. And it’s having an impact. He is sliding in the polls and his fundraising is at best lackluster for someone who is supposed to be leading the pack. And what is worse, he is terrible at defending himself and the DNC is doing nothing (NOTHING!) to help either. In this fashion, Trump is successfully branding his opponents as the Do Nothing Democrats. He’s right.
Here’s what we know (from Eisler’s essay):
- Whoever chooses the topics wins the argument
- To fight back, you need to fight back by leaning in, not back
- Messaging matters
- Frame the pitch as an attack
- Imagery and short sentences
- Use strong labels that are memorable and repeatable
(seriously, just read it)
Biden and his family need to sue Trump. They need to use language like “the corrupt President”, “liar,” “hypocrite”, etc.
We all need to call on the press, whenever reporting on this issue, to introduce the Trump clips as “here is the president again touting the debunked claim….” or something even stronger.
I am so sick of this, people. We are not winning just because an impeachment inquiry has been opened up. They are fighting back dirty because that’s the only thing they know. And we are not equipped to fight dirty. Can we please avoid snatching a defeat from the hands of victory? We have him dead to rights. We need to squash this beast into oblivion. We need a full frontal attack. And we need it now.