Strategy and Messaging

I loved the policy post. We need that discussion.

We also need clear messaging. I mean, the recent unpleasantness of the election should have taught us all that having acceptable policy proposals doesn't matter unless the messaging is solid too.

You can surely see from my recent posts and comments what I favor.

I want to tap into the righteous anger we can suddenly talk about during this news cycle. Our message crosses political divides and the many false divisions we are burdened with.

So let's talk messaging strategy. Otherwise, our policy discussion will be as ineffective as most progressive efforts to date. We need to learn the hard lesson the right has taught us and use emotion effectively.

I will come right out and say that leading in our messaging with policy proposals is a losing proposition. It doesn't work. The hardest thing for a wonk to realize is that most people aren't emotionally moved by marginal tax rate discussions, even though that is an extremely effective policy tool to limit the power of the rich.

So we need parallel efforts here:

• Get a simple clear message that appeals to widely-felt emotions.
• Identify policies that shit on the rich by limiting their power. (See https://slrpnk.net/post/15966305)

Are we wanking online here, or are we starting something?