Seems the GOP knows better than the Dems how to change a blue dog’s attitude.
July 19, 2009
November 26, 2008
How we are right even if we are wrong
Working on the campaign was fun but also tiring. I learned a lot. More on that later.
Meanwhile, I would like to recommend the following TED talk. No matter which side of the fence you may have stood during this recent campaign this brief talk may explain how the entire spectrum of thinking – liberal to conservative – is critical for our long term success as a civilized nation and world.
(Note: if you do not see an image below, select either “player 7 or player 8” below to activate the video player. Or, if you have a high speed connection, you may wish to view the short talk in High Definition here.)
October 31, 2008
Are You Better Off?
Ronald Reagan, whether or not you were a fan, was one of those natural personalities in the position of president. He “got” the art of communication. More than any other trait or ideology – I think communication – the type that connects with most people – serves a president and his or her people most effectively. Knowing our president is connecting with us and tuned in to our struggle is more important than policy preferences. Reagan won because he communicated better than his opponents. “Are you better off than you were four years ago,” he asked in the 1980 election. The country wasn’t. He won.
As if candidate Reagan returned to hand off the baton to Obama, here he is making the simple and connected case with a simple but connected question.
October 27, 2008
What Happened to the Party in Politics?
Have you wondered why turnout is so poor for elections in the United States? Shankar Vedantam in today’s Washington Post explains. (You might need free subscription to view the full article at the Washington Post.)
Elections in the mid-19th century were festive affairs, and people gathered to carouse, jostle one another and vote. They sometimes cast their ballots on a stage to cheers and jeers. Voting, even their choice of candidates, used to be extremely public.
A series of progressive reforms in the late 19th century turned voting into a private affair. Campaign operatives were kept clear of polling stations. People got to vote in secret, and few knew whether their neighbors voted.
Turnout plummeted.
Get out and meet some people this election. It’s fun. Joe and I got to meet our congressman (Rep. Bart Stupak) this weekend when he joined our group for a door-to-door canvassing. No booze, but the pizza at our little party was pretty good.
October 15, 2008
Campaign Update from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Some observations about the campaign in my neck of the woods.
October 13, 2008
A Hymn for Hope Mongerers
This was worth my time. I hope you find it as worthwhile.
Obama ’08 – Vote For Hope from MC Yogi on Vimeo.
