If we look at what drives -- and paralyzes -- conservatives, we can make
progress toward developing a strategy to weaken the grip of conservatism in this
country. Yesterday I included this in my diary:
According to research done at UC Berekeley in 2003 (it was actually a synthesis of
existing research), these psychological traits are linked to political
conservatism:
- Fear and aggression
- Dogmatism and intolerance of ambiguity
- Uncertainty avoidance
- Need for cognitive closure
- Terror management
I hope you will check out the link I provided. The study is fascinating, and
while it might look like good grist for gloating, I think it is a gold mine of
information that can help us craft new progressive strategy.
For example, look at the first two traits: "fear and aggression" and
"dogmatism and intolerance of ambiguity." The fact that conservatives tend to
have a "fear and aggression" trait is why we are in Iraq, obviously. But so is
the trait of "dogmatism and intolerance of ambiguity." Rove has been brilliant
in using this second trait to his advantage, using simplistic dogma (dogma is
always simplistic) to communicate a message that has no ambiguity. Democrats
take the opposite tactic, making the assumption that people can understand
nuance. Some people can, but many, many people cannot. We have to give up the
idea, which is really pretty stupid, that "people are smart!" What does "smart"
mean, anyway? Above average intelligence? The fact is, by definition, half of
people are of average or below average intelligence, right?
So what if we were to get at that very real trait of "fear," and label it
cowardice? We are fighting in Iraq because the leadership in this country is
afraid of al Qaeda. They "stay the course" because they are afraid of change.
People can understand this. We need to label conservative leaders as "cowards,"
which they are.
Democrats are the party of courage. (Okay, that is not really true -- yet.
Progressives are courageous, and we need to put courageous, progressive leaders
at the helm of the Democratic party. Then the statement becomes true.) We need
to talk about "the courage to change" and "faith in courageous leaders."
And we need to be willing to communicate on two levels. One level speaks to
people who need unambiguous statements. And we can do dogma. We just need to do
it honestly. The other level, which speaks to people who need to know more,
takes place more online than on-air. These two levels should not contradict each
other.
Tomorrow I hope to write about the courage to stick to an honest message.
Conservatives have been brilliant at sticking to dishonest messages and scaring
Democrats off of their honest messages. Conservatives have shown us that if you
say something repeatedly, even if it is a blatant lie, people will believe you.
We can use the same tactic with honest messages. Hope you will be back tomorrow!