Dems to "values voters": You are like us

[ProfessorPlum]

This brilliant post at Rude Pundit: http://rudepundit.blogspot.com/2005/01/taking-fight-to-where-they-live.html

Contains this even more brilliant quote:

>>The simple truth is that Democrats, moderates, liberals, anyone, won't win by saying, "Lookeeme, I'm like you, Farmer Brown or Factory Worker Sally, look at me compromise on abortion rights and put on shit-stained boots to go out into the fields and talk about how much I hate queers." No, winning comes by saying, "Look here, Farmer Brown and Factory Worker Sally, you are like me." And that means on each and every coming battle - Social Security, judges, tax cuts, Iraq. The people don't want leaders who identify with them. They want leaders who they identify with. It's a fine, but important distinction.<<

This defines the whole problem with the Dem. party and their trouble connecting with some Republican voters whose ideals align with ours, but who never vote for Dems. (Of course, Dems are being constantly vilified by hate radio, etc., but that's another topic).

People don't want leaders who want to be like them. They want leaders who can make a convincing case that they can be identified with.

This was part of the reason I thought Dean had it exactly right on the South. His message to folks with pickup trucks and gun racks? "You are like us". Our interests align.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

1. ...

[DireStrike]

2. Damn right! "You are me" not "I am you".

[CWebster]

3. Hey Prof Plum

Like Social Security would be the ideal issue to address this way - and what Bush is planning, as if he has an overwhelming mandate, becomes more drastic by the minute. It is inconceivable. It is incomprehensible that there seems to be so few alarms going off. Could it be because both parties dance to Enron's tune that leaves the citizenry without a tune?

After all, if you aren't in the Fortune 500 do you qualify for consideration?

[ProfessorPlum]

4. Hey CWebster

Good to see you again.

I've been going on and on and on and on about what a scam SS "reform" is on my email newsletter - my correspondants are probably sick of it. I couldn't agree with you more.

And you are right, this is a perfect issue for positioning this message. The message is: People everywhere in this country agree that SS should be left as it is. Period.