IdeaLog
2022 elections come down to turnout
Posted on November 2, 2022
The 2022 elections will be decided by voter turnout, just like the elections of 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021. The polls suggest that the battle for control of the U.S. Senate is razor-close, and...
Three basics of political messaging
Posted on October 18, 2022
We were asked three key questions about political messaging. Here are the questions and answers: 1. How can progressives persuade Americans to confront their biases and reconsider their stances on politics and policy? First,...
Conservatives are lying about crime
Posted on October 5, 2022
Over the past two years, violent crime across the United States plunged to its lowest level in decades. The Justice Department said so on September 20. Bet you hadn’t heard that. No wonder, since...
How to persuade one-on-one
Posted on September 21, 2022
Direct face-to-face persuasion is a bit different. When you talk to people at their doors (e.g., campaigning) or in their offices (e.g., lobbying), there are potential advantages, if you use them. The big difference...
The three pillars of fascism
Posted on September 7, 2022
Last week, President Biden declared that the “MAGA philosophy” is “semi-fascism,” and right-wing heads exploded. It seems they have no idea what fascism is. So, let’s talk about it. But first, remember we’re talking...
Abortion rights is a winning issue
Posted on August 24, 2022
Recent polls confirm that Americans overwhelmingly support abortion rights and oppose the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade. This is a powerful issue for progressives and Democrats in virtually every 2022 campaign. Before...
Ten tips for canvassing door-to-door
Posted on August 10, 2022
Door-to-door canvassing is the lifeblood of politics. Done right, it is the most effective method of political persuasion. But how is it done right? Here are ten tips: (1) Dress like someone voters would...
How to turn climate change into a wedge issue
Posted on July 27, 2022
The short answer is—talk about it, for heaven’s sake. At the federal, state and local levels, climate change can energize progressives, especially young voters, and force conservatives to defend an indefensible position. Climate change...
What is a campaign theme, and have got one?
Posted on July 13, 2022
Whether you’re trying to win an election or pass legislation, your campaign needs a central message that is repeated over and over. It’s your theme. But what makes a great theme and how do...
How to turn abortion into a wedge issue
Posted on June 29, 2022
Pundits and optimists believe the abortion issue will energize Democrats in upcoming elections. Well, it should. But it’s not going to happen without a lot of legwork from progressives at the state and local...