IdeaLog
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...
Who’s persuadable in 2022?
Posted on June 15, 2022
When we talk about message framing, we’re aiming at a fairly narrow target because most Americans, both on the right and left, are not persuadable. Who is persuadable and what do they need to...
How to talk about gun policy
Posted on June 1, 2022
In just two weeks, we have seen two massacres where 31 innocent people were killed by gunmen who were both male, 18-years-old, and using AR-15 assault weapons. It’s time to stand up and speak...
How to talk about inflation
Posted on May 18, 2022
Progressives are getting hammered on inflation, according to pundits and polls. Ninety-four percent of Americans are concerned about inflation, and voters currently trust Republicans more than Democrats to tackle the issue. How do you...
How to talk about abortion rights now
Posted on May 4, 2022
Thanks to the Supreme Court, abortion has become one of the top political issues in America. If you’re involved in federal or state elections in any way, be ready. Even local officials will have...
Vacant offices bring major policy problems
Posted on April 20, 2022
Among workers whose jobs can mostly be done at home or another remote location, about 60 percent now prefer they not come back to the office. The coming transition of millions of jobs away...
Five most common mistakes in political persuasion
Posted on April 6, 2022
Progressive activists generally know how to talk to each other. That’s what we do every day! But the language and approaches we use with each other don’t work on persuadable Americans. 1) Don’t let...
Top ten rules of direct mail
Posted on March 23, 2022
In a political or referendum campaign, you want to dominate the dominant medium.* In large campaigns that’s often television/video. But in most state and local contests, the dominant medium is direct mail. How can...