Reply #109: Yes, they're examples of stupid people voting for stupid reasons, but [View All]

[Lydia Leftcoast]

they also illustrate the point that you can't predict any individual's vote with 100% certainty from his or her demographic.

If you find the right hook, they'll vote for you.

For example, an unemployed, ailing person who is otherwise in the Republican demographic may be persuaded to vote for a Democrat who promises to work on universal health care (not half-assed, unhelpful "reforms" that only add complexity), rescinding NAFTA, and penalizing corporations that outsource overseas.

It's not guaranteed, but it could happen. People end up brainwashed when they never hear the other side. A significant few may be amenable to changing, but you'll never know if you don't try.

However, if you emphasize gay rights, abortion rights, and gun control in your campaign without letting the voters ever hear about your economic views, then you're guaranteed to go down in flames.f

The Dems need to figure out what needs are not being met or even mentioned, run on those, and deflect any Republican attempts to talk about cultural issues. They won't win all the Southern evangelicals, but they'll win more than you might think, because in the end, hating gays doesn't pay one's medical bills.