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Being Right Is Not Enough – Speaking Truth and Taking A Stand
Author: Will in Chicago    Date: 06/23/2008 12:50:08

Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will win a thousand battles.


Sun Tzu, The Art of War,

In reflecting on past Democratic political campaigns, it seemed that many of the candidates had never heard of the wisdom of a general of ancient China whose works are still required reading in many military academies. Too often, Democrats and progressive have let Republicans not just define the terms of the debate but have failed to present their stories and vision of the country and the world. Equally as bad, too often these stories and for what candidates stand were related in ways that seemed passionless and distant from voters. Thus, the Republican Party has been able to win time and time again – even when only a minority of Americans shares their positions.

In Paul Waldman’s book, "Being Right Is Not Enough - What Progressives Must Learn from Conservative Success", the veteran political analyst looks at why progressive causes have suffered politically – and more importantly how progressives can redefine the terms of the debate, build a lasting progressive coalition to achieve long term goals, and elect progressive candidates to political office. While polls show that progressives win on such issues as the environment, corporate responsibility, health care, racial and gender equality, and the environment, progressives must learn that voters tend to respond more to emotions than to details on the issues. Perception of a candidate’s strength of resolve and character can matter greatly – once John Kerry failed to counter the portrayal of his record as that of a flip flopper, he was seen as weak and indecisive.

Waldman argues that unlike conservatives, liberals have failed to create a master narrative to frame their arguments calling for tax cuts to top sending tax dollars to bureaucrats wasting your money on needless programs in some office inside the Beltway in Washington, D.C. In making this argument, conservatives have defined taxes as an evil, called bureaucrats wasteful, and slammed both government programs and Washington, D.C. Progressives can counter this by saying that conservative tax cuts overwhelmingly benefit the upper one percent of Americans, including millionaire dividend clippers who lay by their swimming pools while the rest of us hard-working, middle class Americans are trying to make ends meet. Progressives can also talk about programs that help people like the Food and Drug Administration, things that serve the interest of everyone and not just elitists who fly around in private planes and go to one of eight homes owned by their millionaire spouses. (Hello, Senator McCain, your trying to portray a guy who just paid off his student loans a few years back as an elitist is a stretch for a guy who has eight homes to live in – including one with a private lake.) Can we afford tax cuts for millionaires, billionaires and corporations that ship American jobs out of the country when the GOP has run the national debt into the stratosphere. Words matter. Narratives matter.

One thing that also matters is HOW you argue your points. Waldman wrote that Democrats often seem obsessed with arguing based on what Aristotle in his Rhetoric calls logos: arguments based on fact, reason and knowledge. Sometimes, I have grumbled when Democrats present multi-point plans for a solution In contrasts, Republicans tend to argue basedon what Aristotle called pathos, emotional appeals, and ethos, appeals based on a speaker’s character. Aristotle himself wrote “It is not true, as some writers assume in their treatises on rhetoric, that the personal goodness revealed by the speaker contributes nothing to the power of persuasion; on the contrary, his character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion he possesses.”

We can see this in many ways. Generals Wesley Clark, General Anthony Zinni and Congressman Jack Murtha of Pennsylvania speak out against the war in Iraq and the ongoing occupation, they bring to their arguments their collective experience in the military. Murtha also brings to the table years as a supporter of the military and veterans. This gives them an advantage with many people, as they are seen as experts on military affairs and combat veterans. Similarly, members of Combatants for Peace, veterans of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict who now advocate for non-violence and a two state solution, bring their experiences to the table, showing that men and women who once targeted each other through gun sites can stand together and be advocates for peace. (My friend Mollykolly interviewed two membesr of Combatants for Peace last year as part of an episode of Talk ‘N Action at the Unfiltered News Network. You can download the program if you wish.)

It is also possible to craft a persona to give an image of credibility. Few people have been more successful at this than George W. Bush. Karl Rove and Bush’s others handlers took a Texas governor – a weak official in the Texas Constitution – who had a record of approving many executions and relatively few accomplishments, and portrayed him as a “compassionate conservative,” a friendly, Texas cowboy who was portrayed as someone people could have a beer with. (We should recall that George W. Bush record has not been compassionate, his ranch has no animals bigger than his bets, and he was born in New Haven, Connecticut. Bush, as a recovering alcoholic, should not have beer. Nor, based on what we have seen, should he eat pretzels or ride a bicycle – let alone both at the same time.)

This year, the Democrats have a candidate who knows how to argue based on ethos: Barack Obama. His speeches not only have stories that listeners can relate to, he also weaves in the fabric of his life to establish himself as someone who is qualified to talk on a particular issue. His experiences like those of John Edwards, gives him additional credibility to talk on some issues.


Consider Barack Obama’s 2004 Democratic National Convention Speech.







Also, consider Barack Obama’s speech “A More Perfect Union” in which he addressed the issue of race in America delivered early this year after the Reverend Wright controversy.




Furthermore, Barack Obama understands something that Michael Dukakis and John Kerry did not understand – you have to be willing to argue based on appeals to ethos and to fight against outrageous accusations. Conservatives have framed progressives as out of touch with common people and policy wonks whose values and interests do not match those of ordinary Americans. Yes, conservatives – who argue for tax cuts for billionaires and less corporate accountability – argue that it is progressives who are the elitists. They argue that progressives do not share the values of ordinary Americans.

To quote Waldman, “Electoral success isn’t about plans, it isn’t about résumés, it isn’t about experience, and it isn’t about ideas. It’s about connection on an emotional level through ethos and pathos - how people feel about, a candidate, and how they make them feel about themselves.”

Additionally, Waldman argues that Democrats need to stand up to outrageous statements by conservatives. He gives the example of Rove’s statement that Democrats wanted to offer therapy and understanding to the perpetrators of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Democrats should have challenged this statement by calling it beyond the pale of honest, reasonable political discourse. They did not, but instead tried to show that they too, like the Republicans, are tough on terrorists. This only feed into the perception of Democrats having to react to the agenda set by the Republicans.

We should remember the words of Samuel Johnson: “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.” I would truly love to hear Senator Obama or another leading Democrat use this phrase or one like it to condemn those who act as if one party alone has a monopoly on patriotism and that Democrats do not fight and die in our nation’s wars.

Fortunately, Obama has set up Fight the Smears to counter the remarks sent his way. Similarly, there was outrage among progressives and others for the recent remarks by Michael Reagan about putting live grenades in the butts of babies who have names such as Hezbollah. Such speech and that of Karl Rove should be utterly condemned as remarks unworthy for American political discourse, and comparable to the diatribes of past and present dictatorships. Progressives need to show strength in the face of such statements, being willing to fight such outrages when they occur and to have the courage to stand for their positions, even if it is politically unpopular at the moment.

Waldman is similarly critical of the corporate media that too often is afraid to challenge leaders on issues, and often fall back on reporting two sides of an issue – even if one side makes a case that has no bearing in fact or is in fact a lie. For too many, a sound byte or an image of toughness or skill at spinning a story is more impressive than discussing an issue in depth.

Waldman also argues that there needs to be a progressive movement, independent of party and candidate who will hold candidates accountable for their actions. In addition to stand up for their convictions on such issues as universal healthcare – even if it takes years of work – we have to be willing as progressives to have candidates answer the following questions that Waldman suggest we ask of candidates who want our support:


    Can you state in one sentence exactly why it is that you are a progressive?

    Are you willing to stand unapologetically for progressives values in the knowledge that they are in fact the values most Americans share?

    Do you know how to argue using not just logos but pathos and ethos as well, and do you understand that the latter is the most important of the three?

    Do you appreciate that strength does not flow from a ten point plan? And just how do you plan to demonstrate your strength?

    Can you stop worrying about what the editorial pages of the New York Times and the Washington Post say abut you? In other words, do you understand that playing to what the establishment media say they want is not a winning media strategy?

    Are you committed to goals that may take years or decades to achieve?

    Do you understand that no matter what is on your résumé, Republicans will attack your character? Are you willing to hit back just as hard, if not harder?



Waldman wrote that we also need to ask these questions of ourselves. The journey ahead is not easy. Yet we must remember that a movement is not a single man or woman. We should be inspired by the greatness and goodness of such titans as Harriett Tubman, Frederick Douglas, Susan B. Anthony, Mother Jones, Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., Medgar Edgars, Cesar Chavez and so many others. Often, those who advocated for a more progressive America, a more progressive world, faced ridicule, harassment, threats and violence. Yet we have come to where we are today not just by the actions of the famous but by many whose names may never be known to history.

The Talmud advises that if someone claims the Messiah has come while you are planting a tree, finish planting the tree and then go great the Messiah. It is up to us, in our own ways, to continue planting the seeds and tending the trees of a progressive movement that will build a more just, equitable, and better world. The work may well be one of not just one, but several lifetimes. Yet for the naysayers who ask whether we can build a better world, let us say with Senator Barack Obama and Cesar Chavez and all those who have gone before them, famous or unknown, “YES, WE CAN!!!”

 

189 comments (Latest Comment: 06/24/2008 05:05:35 by Raine)
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Comment by BobR on 06/23/2008 12:53:27
Morning... :coffee:

Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/23/2008 13:00:19
Good morning, Bloggers!



I hope that everyone is doing well and had a great weekend.

Comment by Raine on 06/23/2008 13:04:12
Good Morning! Will, thank you for a wonderful post this morning! very thought provoking.

Comment by m-hadley on 06/23/2008 13:10:16
"Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them?"

George Carlin (1937 - 2008)

Hapee Mondee Everybodee:D

Cheers,

mfaye

:heart:

:hug:

Comment by m-hadley on 06/23/2008 13:16:25
Lindsey Grahamcracker - what a wuss !!!

Cheers,

mfaye :D

Comment by BobR on 06/23/2008 13:17:32
btw - excellent post Will. I wrote on a similar topic last fall when discussing the importance of using powerful words and phrases. If you haven't read it, I think you would find it and Drew Weston's book very interesting...

Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2008 13:17:40
Morning, comrades!



Will with the heavy artillery this morning!

Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2008 13:25:52
Ah, another fine bumper by Mr. Lavoie....



Let's see, cyanide, slash wrists, or jam pencils in eardrum?



:thud:





Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2008 13:28:26
Ya know, regarding Obama and campaign finances, let's not forget about this.





Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2008 13:32:53
Oil....



It doesn't matter how much the Saudis or OPEC pumps...we could be swimming in oil for all they care.



When the big boys increase their refining capacity, then we'll talk. We can have a billion barrels of oil lying around, but if we can only turn 100,000 barrels a day into gasoline...



And with prices so high, there's no incentive for them to change a thing. Which is why we need the windfall tax, but that's another argument.







Comment by BobR on 06/23/2008 13:38:39
Quote by TriSec:

Oil....



It doesn't matter how much the Saudis or OPEC pumps...we could be swimming in oil for all they care.



When the big boys increase their refining capacity, then we'll talk. We can have a billion barrels of oil lying around, but if we can only turn 100,000 barrels a day into gasoline...



And with prices so high, there's no incentive for them to change a thing. Which is why we need the windfall tax, but that's another argument.





If there was a shortage of gasoline, you'd see lines at the pumps and gas stations running out.



I still say it's the commodities traders inflating the prices by selling futures.

Comment by Raine on 06/23/2008 13:40:39
Laura ingraham is just too much for me. I do NOT want to ever listen to her and Momma together on the air. <_<

Comment by Shane-O on 06/23/2008 13:45:37
Laura does love Steph:

Comment by starling310 on 06/23/2008 13:49:45
Quote by Raine:

Laura ingraham is just too much for me. I do NOT want to ever listen to her and Momma together on the air. <_<








agreed.

Comment by livingonli on 06/23/2008 13:50:47
Good morning everyone.



If men could get pregnant, they would serve beer and pretzels at abortion clinics.



Ah, George Carlin, you will be missed.

Comment by starling310 on 06/23/2008 13:51:26
Yeah, I'm sure At&t will have a hard time paying their lawyers.

Comment by starling310 on 06/23/2008 13:52:07
Obama is aware that he's running for President, correct?

Comment by Shane-O on 06/23/2008 13:52:41


Comment by livingonli on 06/23/2008 13:54:15
Quote by starling310:

Yeah, I'm sure At&t will have a hard time paying their lawyers.


As well as Verizon and Comcast.

Comment by starling310 on 06/23/2008 13:54:28
Barbara Lee!

Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/23/2008 13:54:48
Quote by BobR:

btw - excellent post Will. I wrote on a similar topic last fall when discussing the importance of using powerful words and phrases. If you haven't read it, I think you would find it and Drew Weston's book very interesting...






Thanks, BobR! I have to get back to Drew Westen's The Political Brain. It is a good book. (It looks like I am going to be checking in here between doing house work.)

Comment by Scoopster on 06/23/2008 13:55:21
Morning all... :coffee2:



Went to Hartford to visit mom & gramma this weekend.. The travel was HORRENDOUS, to the point where I might switch from bus to train (damn the extra expense!) If it wasn't for that amazing look on gramma's face when I walked in I probably would've had a miserable trip.



And of course, it continued this morning as the regular mass transit was running behind on every leg and caused me to be an hour late to work. Add to that finding out about Carlin's death and I was doing my impression of his seven words routine.

Comment by Raine on 06/23/2008 13:56:15
You know, I think there is a real reality that Barack Obama can revisit this issue once he is in the White house.





Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2008 14:01:44
Oh dear...we've got some particularly dark clouds of Mordor overhead right now. Weatherman says maybe even some hail today....





Comment by livingonli on 06/23/2008 14:03:22
It's supposed to rain here today too.

Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2008 14:04:04
Dear Candidate Obama. I really want only one thing from you. I want to be able to fly again.



Sincerely,

TriSec



: selfish :





Comment by BobR on 06/23/2008 14:06:07
Quote by Raine:

You know, I think there is a real reality that Barack Obama can revisit this issue once he is in the White house.





I'll never understand these one-issue voters.

Comment by Scoopster on 06/23/2008 14:06:13
Hey Tri I was up in your neck of the woods this weekend.. In fact I even got an unexpected tour of Logan Airport because the coach driver didn't bother to announce on the loudspeaker that we'd arrived at South Station (I don't think he wanted to disturb us sleepyheads or somethin' )



BTW if anyone needs a slightly used Charlie Ticket, let me know.

Comment by Raine on 06/23/2008 14:07:15
Quote by Shane-O:

Laura does love Steph:


Warn me before you post that voice next time, willya?





:P

Comment by Raine on 06/23/2008 14:07:54
OMG... Mike Gravel... That man did the best political commercials, ever.

Comment by Scoopster on 06/23/2008 14:11:29
Quote by BobR:

Quote by Raine:

You know, I think there is a real reality that Barack Obama can revisit this issue once he is in the White house.





I'll never understand these one-issue voters.


Does not wanting a Republican president count as a one-issue mindset?

Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2008 14:12:10
I believe we may have to turn out to the boat deck with our lifebelts on if this keeps up much longer. (my building has been known to spring leaks in a deluge...)





Comment by livingonli on 06/23/2008 14:12:23
I'm surprised Bob Barr and Mike Gravel didn't end up duking out for the Libertarian nomination.

Comment by Raine on 06/23/2008 14:14:17
YOu know what I find interesting about this whole thing is that in the beginning of the primary race, we had so many people --- we could be wonderfully ideological about our choices.



And as candidates dropped out one by one, we had to make choices. Barack was never ever as liberal as the right would have us to believe, but I still believe is our best hope to get this country back on track.







Comment by wickedpam on 06/23/2008 14:14:33
Morning! :hug:





Raine - PM to ya :hug:

Comment by m-hadley on 06/23/2008 14:17:03
Remember Little Kings, anybody? I think it was billed as cream ale.

Cheers,

mfaye

:heart:

Comment by livingonli on 06/23/2008 14:17:03
Good morning Mala. We missed you Thursday and Friday.

Comment by BobR on 06/23/2008 14:20:06
Quote by m-hadley:

Remember Little Kings, anybody? I think it was billed as cream ale.

Cheers,

mfaye

:heart:


Little Kings and Genesee - dueling cream ales of watery goodness

Comment by Raine on 06/23/2008 14:20:44
:sigh:





THis happened in Newburgh? Not Georgia?

Comment by wickedpam on 06/23/2008 14:23:06
Quote by livingonli:

Good morning Mala. We missed you Thursday and Friday.




I meant to say that I was going to gone but time slipped away from me and I couldn't get to a computer in the morning. We were trying to get ready for a yardsale and to get some house stuff done. Too bad the yardsale got postponed until this weekend, it was beautiful Saturday.



Comment by livingonli on 06/23/2008 14:24:36
It was nice here over the weekend but a little muggy. It's supposed to rain today.



Is DC supposed to get rain?

Comment by livingonli on 06/23/2008 14:27:02
Hey, where's been these days? She hasn't been around in a while.

Comment by wickedpam on 06/23/2008 14:32:17
Quote by livingonli:

It was nice here over the weekend but a little muggy. It's supposed to rain today.



Is DC supposed to get rain?






Isolated thunderstorms - usual for DC



Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2008 14:34:34
Hey, WP...



News from TriSec land, we're thinking about backing out of DC now. Mrs. and I both have automotive issues, and Bush's "distraction check" is looking like we could put it to better use than a road trip....



:kickcan:



I hate this "president". I really and truly do.



"You Ruined My Life!!!" - Chris Farley



Comment by wickedpam on 06/23/2008 14:35:43
Gawd, thank you Mr. Positive

Comment by wickedpam on 06/23/2008 14:38:09
Quote by TriSec:

Hey, WP...



News from TriSec land, we're thinking about backing out of DC now. Mrs. and I both have automotive issues, and Bush's "distraction check" is looking like we could put it to better use than a road trip....



:kickcan:



I hate this "president". I really and truly do.



"You Ruined My Life!!!" - Chris Farley









That's okay DC will still be here and maybe ya'll can come for the Obama inaguration :D



Trust me, we backed out of our yearly OBX trip cause of gas prices, so I understand.



Comment by Scoopster on 06/23/2008 14:40:21
I haven't gotten my "Bush bribe" yet.........

Comment by livingonli on 06/23/2008 14:43:24
Quote by Scoopster:

I haven't gotten my "Bush bribe" yet.........


I got mine last week.

Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2008 14:44:53
Ah, I know DC will still be there. January 20th is the Tuesday after MLK weekend next year. That's definitely worth pulling Javi out of school for an extra day.



"I was at the inaugural...."



: gears turning :





Comment by BobR on 06/23/2008 14:46:34
Quote by livingonli:



I got mine last week.


We should get ours next week at the latest...