The Third Way: 'Why are Democrats affiliated with this group that wants to gut Democratic Programs?'

[sabrina 1]

39. 'Reality based community' was a Third Way phrase designed to make Liberals look

'loony'. 'Concern Troll' was used when a Liberal expressed concerns about the Dem Party moving to the right or doing things like agreeeing with Repubs on SS etc. I saw it a lot starting around 2004 on what claimed to be Liberal forums. Liberals were constantly under attack on DK eg, using these ridiculous phrases no doubt conjured up in Think Tanks, but coming from the Left.

And we don't have think tanks working for us. Liberals tend to answer honestly when attacked with these phrases. 'Pragmatic' was another one that was suddenly all over the place.

Ponies, Magic Wand etc is what Liberals were met with when the objected to their party not doing things that protected Democratic policies.

It is a very important part of the assault on the Left, both from the Right, see Limbaugh et al who have bag full of talking points to aim at Liberals, and now from the supposed Left.

But once aware of the tactic, it becomes easier to undermine them. Once they are exposed, they lose their ability to do what is intended, put Liberals on the defensive.

Very good post, thank you.