Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Eugene Robinson's advice for progresive framing

He's right about this. Democrats need to positively and enthusiastically frame their accomplishments in the coming elections. Unemployment is down to 6.3%. 288,000 jobs were added in April. The stock market continues to hit all-time highs. The Affordable Care Act exceeded projected enrollments and has a balanced risk pool. He suggests something like the following for an ad:

“We promised you that these were the right policies to get the economy on track and reform health care. We said it would take time to see results and asked for patience. You gave us your trust, and now we’re seeing the benefits. This is just the beginning. Give us a mandate to keep moving forward on an agenda that is working.”


Most importantly, quit saying the word 'but,' qualifying every success with "but we could and must do more.' Of course we must, but when you negatively qualify the success you frame it in regressive terms which reinforces their message. Focus on what you've accomplished so far, no qualifications. And like his suggestion, ask if the people want them to keep implementing the successful agenda.

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