I appreciate your insight. Another issue progressives are poor at is talking about patriotism. We seem to have handed it over to conservatives, and so people are only hearing a toxic version. We need to provide a healthy alternative. There is an idealism interpretive gap, as well as an emotional one. Despite the current political polarization , it was interesting to me that at least one conservative video interpreting the Declaration of Independence (Hillsdale College) sounded pretty much like the interpretations.
But for grassroots messengers, storytelling doesn’t necessarily mean sharing our stories. It can mean lifting up the stories already around us and anchoring them in our values. You don’t have to be the protagonist to be a powerful narrator.
We can lift stories from the news, from neighbors, from the realities across the state. You don’t have to be the one who lost your house to longwall mining to say: “This family’s story shows what happens when profit comes before people.” You don’t need to be a teacher to say: “This school just lost its afterschool program because of a federal freeze and kids will suffer because of it.”
We still have much to do to gain the attention and trust of ‘middle America.’ I think there’s at least one ‘line of attack’ that can help:
Donald Trump just really, really hates America.
America values honesty, fair play, integrity. As a pathological liar and con man, Trump has never been able to command the ‘respect,’ power, and regal status he craves. He now feels these to be within his reach.
Trump is not out to make America great again. He’s out to make America grovel at his feet.
Americans need to know this. America needs to understand that this is the entirety of Trump’s motivation and his self-dealing end game so that America can stop him.
In the 70s I live in Houston in the district Barbara Jordan. I can’t describe the yearning to have Barbara here to address John Roberts in the Supreme Court. Such an early loss. I always remember her.
I wish you could get the attention of the Democratic national committee. I know several people, including myself, who have offered suggestions, only to be dismissed. The DNC is planning a summer campaign to encourage and motivate people. Last week, I saw the leader being interviewed. The focus is on facts and data, not stories and narratives. Yes, Democrats run circles around Republicans when it comes to research and values-based policy. However, they are so inept when it comes to communicating with people. God help us.
I appreciate your insight. Another issue progressives are poor at is talking about patriotism. We seem to have handed it over to conservatives, and so people are only hearing a toxic version. We need to provide a healthy alternative. There is an idealism interpretive gap, as well as an emotional one. Despite the current political polarization , it was interesting to me that at least one conservative video interpreting the Declaration of Independence (Hillsdale College) sounded pretty much like the interpretations.
This 100 💯! “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”
- Mark Twain
Storytelling beats spreadsheets.
But for grassroots messengers, storytelling doesn’t necessarily mean sharing our stories. It can mean lifting up the stories already around us and anchoring them in our values. You don’t have to be the protagonist to be a powerful narrator.
We can lift stories from the news, from neighbors, from the realities across the state. You don’t have to be the one who lost your house to longwall mining to say: “This family’s story shows what happens when profit comes before people.” You don’t need to be a teacher to say: “This school just lost its afterschool program because of a federal freeze and kids will suffer because of it.”
And? Stop condescending. Remember "basket of deplorables"? Probably the three words that elected Trump 2016.
There are two ways to communicate: Dry and Wet.
Dry policy gets brushed off.
Wet emotioms soak.
Then the dry sticks.
Simple.
This is spot on @Will Robinson!!! Stories are what connect us.
Hi! I would love to work with you! My Porch Thoughts seem to connect. Here is a story about my husband:
https://open.substack.com/pub/wuzzittoya/p/my-favorite-maga-voter?r=zof2&utm_medium=ios
Yes! Let’s connect!
Great! Sent a message - you don’t have to reply right away. I am kind of a “when you get to it” messenger. 🙂
An excellent article. Great advice for winning the future.
Democrats need to combine this and communicate these stories in new ways to reach people:
https://open.substack.com/pub/thenewdealsghost/p/the-great-electoral-danger-no-one?r=6rdx2&utm_medium=ios
Great points all around, Will. Dems too often try to speak in soundbites, when we need stories. Speak to the heart, not the head!
https://epolitics.substack.com/p/make-it-visceral-make-it-real-we
We still have much to do to gain the attention and trust of ‘middle America.’ I think there’s at least one ‘line of attack’ that can help:
Donald Trump just really, really hates America.
America values honesty, fair play, integrity. As a pathological liar and con man, Trump has never been able to command the ‘respect,’ power, and regal status he craves. He now feels these to be within his reach.
Trump is not out to make America great again. He’s out to make America grovel at his feet.
Americans need to know this. America needs to understand that this is the entirety of Trump’s motivation and his self-dealing end game so that America can stop him.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jonthinks/p/donald-trump-hates-america?r=mrvx1&utm_medium=ios
In the 70s I live in Houston in the district Barbara Jordan. I can’t describe the yearning to have Barbara here to address John Roberts in the Supreme Court. Such an early loss. I always remember her.
Good post, but I'd like to offer another perspective because we can't always focus on OUR messaging.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/manager-tools_persuasion-communicationtips-mantools-ugcPost-7350479718413914112-5Hb_
Great! Thank you! I’ll read and lets talk?
Thank you, Will!
I wish you could get the attention of the Democratic national committee. I know several people, including myself, who have offered suggestions, only to be dismissed. The DNC is planning a summer campaign to encourage and motivate people. Last week, I saw the leader being interviewed. The focus is on facts and data, not stories and narratives. Yes, Democrats run circles around Republicans when it comes to research and values-based policy. However, they are so inept when it comes to communicating with people. God help us.