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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBeyond Protest: What Are We in Favor Of?
From the article:
Why.....because, to paraphrase George Costanza, Democrats were trying to put on a show about nothing. Why? Because theyd abandoned the New Deal and adopted the raw deal. And you cant run on a platform that says, "We still love you and all, but we kinda support the Oligarchy too."
Democrats have steadily lost power on the state level. Every non-Presidential election shows a low turnout of voters among those who should be natural Democratic voters.
And it also tells us why theyre losing.
Some of this is framing. The GOP is terrible at governing, but they are great at framing issues. Witness the large number of voters who think that the ACA and Obamacare are different programs.
http://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/02/22/beyond-protest-what-are-we-favor
HughBeaumont
(24,461 posts)Right now, theres a war on for the soul of the Democratic Party, with progressives battling against the status quo neoliberals who control it now.
Just disheartening. It's like I say in this thread - WHAT DO I TELL THEM? I know how hyper-capitalists are - what do we tell potential voters that isn't pandering/lying? We're screwn beyond belief trying to beat Republicans on God/Guns/Flag/Religion. Voters are bored of charts/data and are conditioned from childhood to see Republicans/Authoritarians as heroic and strong and Democrats as weak and "enemies of prosperity", whatever the hell that means.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)And framing wins debates. Strong vs weak is simple and easy to slogan around.
In my view, if we are serious about maintaining a democracy, we must acknowledge that predatory capitalism is not conducive to democracy. And predatory capitalists like Trump, like the Koch brothers, like the Walton family, are sociopaths who care nothing for others.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)that might help...and turn our attention to finding fault with the Republican Party.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)something is wrong.
Certainly the GOP has been co-opted by sociopathic predators, but if Democrats cannot figure out that the they are losing electorally there is no hope for them.
If you wish to frame this post as "attacking Democrats" I would suggest that you explain how steadily losing power represents a winning strategy.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)So why not turn your attention to the GOP...instead of basically telling people that Democrats are not worthy.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)And my last response.
Rather than frame it and dismiss it as "attacking Democrats", why not look at it as long overdue constructive criticism?
If you failed all of your exams, would you insist that your failing grades were evidence of the teacher attacking you? Think of each Congressional Race as an exam.
Nevernose
(13,081 posts)We can't just be against Trump. That's a great way to activate our base, but can't sustain a movement. We have to do a better job to voters -- friends, neighbors, internet trolls, whoever -- not just what we're against, but what we're FOR.
(Though I totally agree that just bashing the Democratic Party -- without suggestions or alternatives -- is, at best, useless)
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)your Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Healthcare, Schools and environment etc...I don't find fault with the only party that can stop Donald Trump...so I think what you do the earnest desire to rip the Democratic arty to shreds is one of the reasons we have had trouble winning...this sort of thing helps the GOP and hurts Democrats.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)They can yell and jump up and down but have no power...so maybe we should worry about getting elected first...you can't help anyone if you lose.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)Yes, we can attack them for being all image and no substance, all slogan and no plan, but the real issue is that we must reach those who do not pay attention to politics. We must convince them that politics is much more than a once every 4 years vote for President event.
And the point of the post is not to attack Democrats, but to ask how Democrats can frame a winning message. A message that can inspire the 41% who did not vote to vote.
In my view, this 41% is the key, not appealing to racist old males.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)one must accept that change is needed.
The problem is finding that alternative method.