Invisible River/Invisible Bridge

[chieftain]

Frank Rich in his review of Rick Perlstein's new book includes an anecdote involving political advice given to Nixon by, of all people, Khrushchev. The Russian premier said when the people believe in an imaginary river, don't try to convince them that it doesn't exist; instead build them an invisible bridge. I think this dichotomy goes a long way in explaining the comparative success of GOP messaging over that of the Democrats. We spend our time explaining policy details while the RW offers people the pleasant symbolism of exceptionalism threatened by "the other".
Somehow we have to harness our inherent wonkism to metaphoric bridge building if we want to defeat the nihilism that is the hallmark of today's Republicans .

[rock]

1. But if the people try to use that bridge they'll fall in

Of course, they wont get wet!

[chieftain]

2. Except in the case of middle class Americans,

they have been soaked by GOP policies and lies.

[SunSeeker]

3. Right, but they blame "bla people" and immigration.

That is the multi-faceted purpose of the GOP'S Southern Strategy.

[chieftain]

4. I saw a clip of Santorum bla people comment and his explanation.

It reminded me of an expression my Mom used when catching a kid in a fib - "you lie like a Republican". When I was young I didn't completely understand the reference. I do now.

[tea and oranges]

5. The Truth!

What would life be like if people actually resorted to it?

I'd sure like to try it, just as an experiment, of course.