IdeaLog
Minimum wage wins, even in a conservative-controlled jurisdiction
Posted on June 24, 2014
Can progressives win a minimum wage hike even in conservative-controlled state? Yes, by playing smart, aggressive politics. A few weeks ago, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation to raise that state’s minimum wage from...
A Populist Platform for 2014
Posted on June 10, 2014
Want a policy platform for your candidacy or organization? Here is a one-page statement that reflects American values and includes economic policies that are all wildly popular: A Populist Platform for 2014 For the...
Economic populism is crucial this year
Posted on May 27, 2014
2014 is not a year for subtlety. Pollsters expect older, whiter, more conservative Americans to show up at the polls in November while younger voters and people of color, who are more likely to...
Nine Tips for Fundraising
Posted on May 2, 2014
Nine Tips for Political Fundraising We all do fundraising. But do we do our best? Here are Nine Tips: 1. Begin with the right attitude. When you approach someone for a donation, you’re giving...
Non-verbal communication can negate what you’re trying to say
Posted on April 22, 2014
How do you spend most of your time when preparing to give a speech? If you are like most advocates and policymakers we’ve worked with, your answer is content or the words. You might...
The rich are richer than you think
Posted on April 9, 2014
The right wing has done a lot of whining about the over-taxed rich and the under-taxed middle class. Mitt Romney famously complained that “47 percent of Americans pay no income tax.” But that meme...
Is there a progressive economics?
Posted on March 12, 2014
By highlighting income inequality, President Obama has opened the door to a serious conversation with voters. The problem is that persuadable voters support an idealized concept of conservative economics based on low taxes and...
To strengthen public libraries, wake up and smell the coffee
Posted on February 25, 2014
I’ll bet you know somebody who goes to a bookstore to read, relax and drink coffee. Millions of Americans do that regularly. So why not create that same kind of coffee shop experience at...
The tipped minimum wage is sort of a scam
Posted on February 12, 2014
Most restaurant guests think that when they tip a waiter their money is going to that employee, or at least is pooled among the workers. But in 43 states, that’s not really the case....
Victory Comes from the States and Localities
Posted on January 29, 2014
When President Obama presented his State of the Union Address on Tuesday, progressives applauded on the outside but grumbled on the inside. Lipstick on a pig notwithstanding, our federal government is hopeless. Last year...