Someone made the following comment:
If I were a Democratic candidate in my red state and stood up to say
"I value education. Privacy. The Environment. Sane fiscal policy. Sound
foreign policy. Freedom of choice. Equality." I would get branded as an
elitist, PATRIOT-act hating and therefore terrorist-supporting, tree-hugging,
tax-hiking, global-testing, baby-killing, gay-loving wacko. And that would
resonate with so many people I wouldn't achieve the office I sought.
This comment is exactly correct. What the democrats need to do is reframe the debate.
To learn much more about this go to The Rockridge Institute.
My crack at reframing our values is below the fold
What policies do I believe in?
- progressive tax
- affirmative action
- abortion rights
- sex ed
- multi-lateralism
- environmental protection
- freedom from foreign oil
- health care
- civil liberties
- corporate regulation/anti-trust legislation
- a social safety net
- a higher minimum wage
- education
- gay rights
- lots more....
Now, I can give you a long list of reasons why these things are a good idea. But it doesn't
matter because those things do not resonate with people. What we need is to re-frame or policy
goals into value statements derived from our principles.
Our Principles
OK -- what are our principles?
- equality -- affirmative action, gay rights, etc.
- privacy -- abortion, gay rights, etc.
- responsibility -- environmental stuff, corporate regulation, etc.
- letting Americans work hard -- minimum wage, education, social safety net, fiscal responsibility etc.
These are why we do things. The beauty of these principles is that they are really hard to
argue with. I mean, c'mon -- planning for the future? So the question is how do we
communicate these ideas?
Rockridge uses the example of using "Investing in America" instead of "Tax". Imagine being on
FOX news:
"You don't support tax relief." (
tax relief is a great GOP frame, see the Rockridge site)
"Bill, I support investing in America. Investing in our infrastructure -- roads, electricity,
and the courts to make America friendly for business. I support investing in our future with
education, so we will be competitive tomorrow. I support investing in America today: in Homeland
Security and National Defense"
Compare that to
"You don't support tax relief."
"Bill, I support progressive taxation because it is more efficient from an economic perspective.
You see, if a person with $10 gives 10% they can't eat. But if a millionaire gives
10%...."
Doesn't work as well, does it?
Try these:
- progressive taxation is investing in America
- multilateralism is keeping the world safe, together
- abortion, gay rights, every wedge issue is Keeping the Government out of people's lives
- environmental protection is planning for tomorrow
- corporate governance is making companies responsible for their actions
- the $7.00 minimum wage is letting hard working Americans get ahead
- Health care is letting hard working families protect their kids
Now you try it!