Reply #91: Fair enough . . . better question, why do republicans control almost [View All]

[livinontheedge]

everything? The WH, both houses of Congress, more governorships, more state houses, etc.? I believe it is because 30% of voters are staunch democrats, 30% are staunch republicans, and 40% are "right-leaning" independents. Those independents hold the key to democratic victory. We have to frame our issues in a way that appeals to these independent voters. Clinton is right. You have to run to the middle to get elected.

The right has effectively defined us as the party of affirmative action, abortion, high taxes, appeasement, anti-business, anti-school choice, and gun control. Of course, we have defined the right as the party of the rich, etc. etc, etc. Problem is, a lot of the independents don't envy the rich and would like to earn $100,000+ a year themselves. They don't get upset if tax rates are lowered as long as the effective tax rates on the rich are higher than the effective tax rates on the working poor.

So, how do we combat this sterotype? It's simple, we nominate Howard Dean who can reach these independent voters on an emotional level. If we do not persuade them emotionally, we can't overcome the steotype.