Where do Democrats go from here? Look toward "Political Influencers" - who want them to stand up...

[DonViejo]

SUNDAY, FEB 26, 2017 06:00 AM EST

Where do Democrats go from here? Look toward “Political Influencers” — who want them to stand up to Trump

Looking at the group we call Political Influencers, Democrats would do best to offer forceful, effective opposition

MATT MCDERMOTT AND SEAN MCELWEE

In the wake of Donald Trump’s election, the left side of the political spectrum has mobilized with a strength and fervor that few can remember. Protests against the administration’s actions have occurred daily, beginning with the Women’s March, a massive mobilization that involved more than one in every 100 Americans. The protests have already shifted the political landscape, with Senate Democrats voting en masse against Trump’s most controversial nominees, and even successfully derailing Andy Puzder, his pick for labor secretary.

But for this “resistance” — as it’s been labeled — to sustain itself in the months ahead and truly change politics, it must become a full-fledged movement. To better understand the possibilities for movement-building and explore its implications, we tried to quantify just how influential progressives are feeling today, and what they see as their path forward.

The survey was conducted among 988 respondents identified as “Political Influencers.” In short, Political Influencers are hyperactive partisans who exhibit a high level of activism. They are involved in a number of political activities, from more traditional approaches to influencing (i.e., voting or signing a petition) to more committed activities (i.e., participating in a local community group or taking part in a demonstration). As their name implies, Political Influencers are active and outgoing, and pride themselves on being well-informed and up to date. Enabling their influence, this audience likes talking about politics and current affairs with friends, and doesn’t shy away from expressing opinions.

Gleaning insight into the views of Political Influencers is particularly important because they have an inordinate amount of influence over whether or not movement-building is successful. Research has shown that the impact of an Influencer can be significant, and includes an ability to change behaviors or opinions in others. Basically: Political Influencers are movement-makers.

more
http://www.salon.com/2017/02/26/where-do-democrats-go-from-here-look-toward-political-influencers-who-want-them-to-stand-up-to-trump/