Democrats,
As you've seen in the latest polls, "W" is down, congress is down, and -- sorry -- you are down as well.
Considering you have little direct responsibility for what the majority party is doing to our country, this poor showing is still completely your failing. Why? Because you should be seen as the only hope for the country to get out of the quagmire that "W" and the 'Pubs have gotten us into. Yet, you're not. And you're running out of time to change deep-seated brand perceptions for the '06 elections.
The press seems intent on calling people pro-war or anti-war, and that's just a trap. You need to introduce a new persona the debate -- a persona that redefines the lines.
Do not get stuck in the pro or anti-war lines any longer. Make your side the "Getting Things Back on Track" side.
Americans are generally of the belief that Bush and his colleagues have made a mess of things, but at the same time, they don't want to see Democrats just stand up and point fingers (see Gallup polls).
Instead, focus on how your platform -- putting things back on track -- is about just that. Make "Democrat" synonymous with putting things back on track -- the feeling that Democrats have the logic, facts, and insight to analyze the situation and make the necessary changes to regain America's footing in the following areas:
The Iraq War
- Internationalize and legitimize the peacekeeping mission and political stewardship
The War on Terror Organizations
- Get our sights back on al'Qaida before they strike us again
Economy
- Not just regaining old jobs, but creating new, better jobs for Americans
Gas Prices
- Display America's global leadership by convening an international Fossil Fuel Summit to ensure gas prices once again become reasonable
Stand on these four pillars, own these four pillars, and embody these four pillars. Only through consistent adoption and communication of this go to market strategy will you begin to sway public opinion to start trusting your party to run America once again.
Rudy Giuliani said it best at the RNC Convention in 04...
"Neither party has a monopoly on virtue. But I do believe that there are times in our history when our ideas are more necessary and important for what we are facing."
...and the time is now for solemn, rational, fact-based leadership that Democrats are naturally more attuned to than the ideological Republicans in place today.
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1 comment:
They need to get a face out there hamering points like these, one that is not seen as tied to the confused recent past of the party (Kerry, Edwards, even Hillary), or to the Anti-War Side (Sheehan should not be the most visible opposition figure right now).
They need to get someone like Obama out there, everywhere, leading this drumline. This person should also not be seen or sold as a possiblility for 08, ruining his or her "objective perspective." Though, if the strategy works, this person could always be "recruited" later.
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