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August 25, 2005
The Idea Battle
The Dems need to counterattack the Republicans in the battle of ideas. During my vacation travels I was increasingly aware that many centrist Republicans feel that the Democrats have no new ideas. They contend that the left is rehashing and repackaging old, liberal, programs without finding new creative solutions for today's problems. I see this reinforced on many web sites and blogs. If the Democrats are going to make any gains with mainstream America they have to do a better job of marketing their message.
Now I know that the Democrats have plenty of ideas, that is not the issue. The issue is packaging and marketing. Where are the cheerleaders? Where are the leaders and politicians inspiring the fans? The Republicans are very effective at convincing the American public that they are a dynamic party, seeking and finding new ways to solve problems of the 21st century. I understand this is easier for Republicans since they control The White House, Congress, and much of the judiciary. It probably doesn't hurt they they have the media intimidated either. They paint the Dems as stuck in a time warp, with ideas and solutions that clearly don't work. Howard Dean, and leading Democrats need to take their good ideas, simplify then to sound bites and push them as hard as they can. Simplicity and repetition. Subtle changes to existing programs are not the sorts of things that inspire people to action.
Posted by Chip Spear at August 25, 2005 9:22 AM
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Comments
I completely agree with you Chris that not having A true Democratic alternative is hurting the party when it comes to gaining support from around the country. The Democratic Party seems to fear truly nationalizing an election, but if there was ever a year to do just that, it will be 2006. The brilliance of Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America" in 1994 was that it gave people a reason to vote FOR Republicans and not just against the Democrats. The Dems need to do something similar.
Posted by: Ian Fried at August 26, 2005 10:09 AM