"Simplify, simplify".---Henry David Thoreau
We often hear that a political leader is "playing chess" while his or her opponent is playing checkers. Sometimes, we even hear that they are playing "three-dimensional" or "Vulcan" chess.
Just stop.
Most of the voters that we want desperately to "vote their own interest" and elect Democrats have never played chess and don't really understand the "three dimensional" concept. To them, life is not a political game where moves and counter-moves are plotted and implemented. They don't think in terms of "the long game" or even liberals versus conservatives. For many of these folks, life is "Can I pay the rent, buy food AND still buy school clothes or Christmas gifts for the kids?"
They don't expect a free ride, but they're damn tired of not being allowed on the bus.
They likely don't trust or like Putin, but they are certain that health care for their family is a more immediate concern for them.
And, when we ask them to vote for our candidates, they are not at all ashamed of wanting to hear, in plain language, just what is in it for them.
FDR offered them his "Square Deal".
LBJ offered them the Civil Rights Act.
Barack Obama offered them the ACA.
Until a couple of decades or so ago, ALL Democrats offered support for labor unions, people of color, the weak and disadvantaged of all demographic categories. We stood with them against the wealth and power of corporations and the elite handful of families at the top of our societies food chain.
Today, when these living-day-to-day folks ask what's in it for them if they vote with us, I don't think we have an answer that doesn't sound like just another shovel full of bullshit or isn't so "wonkish"---a term they would never use---that their eyes glaze over before we finish.
Young entrepreneurs practice what they call their "elevator speech"---a short, clear outline of what they want to do and what they need to do it. I read a lot and I listen carefully. I have yet to hear our elevator speech.
= new reply since forum marked as read
