We have plenty of ideas. We have plenty of facts. We have no problem winning debates on the issues. Why is it that conservative thought is still so dominant in the media?
The media isn't stupid [although they are lazy at times,] they just have different priorities. Getting the truth out is secondary to a catchy headline or a sensational story. Republicans still do much better in the traditional media. The reason is because they have mastered the art of the catch phrase. They have the ability to take a single idea, and regardless of its accuracy, [or lack thereof,] get it into the mouths of everyday people in everyday conversations. A good talking point is very powerful.
Example: Up or down vote
Example: Cut and run
Example: No underlying crime
You can immediately recognize what each of these points are referring to. You hear them in conversation all the time. It's almost impossible to get into a discussion with a conservative on these issues without hearing these kinds of terms. And with good reason. They work very well. You have to fight through the stereotype before you can even put forth any ideas, which means you start at a disadvantage. It's a deliberate tactic. It functionally prevents any real debate from taking place while making us look defensive. It's easy for us to make fun of their sound bytes, but that doesn't work to defeat them. And whining about 'Republican talking points' just sounds lame. You don't whine that the other team can hit or shoot the ball better, you get out there and do a better job. That's what we've been doing such a poor job at.
The last good talking point we had was 'Greeted as liberators'. What ever happened to 'Greeted as liberators'? It was a great talking point. We need more stuff like that.
What we really need is some kind of mechanism to standardize these sound bytes so they can really 'catapult the propaganda' and get out there in to every day dialogue. Again, conservatives are very good at this. There's no reason we can't do the same. The problem is, with the authoritarian structure of conservative thought [AM radio] makes it very easy for one individual to take a meme and insert it into the conservative lexicon. We need some kind of method to do the same. Maybe a commitee that votes on a catch phrase of the week or something. Maybe a way to test them first, try them out on more conservative message boards and see how they work, maybe? And we need liberal pundits and celebrities to start using these. They have been pounding them over our heads for years. Why can't we do the same?
I'll go first: 'Republicans want Iraq to become the 51st state'. I think that would make a great talking point.
What do you guys think? Do you think we can do it?