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This should be a must read for every single organizer and supporter in any campaign. Don’t Think about an Elephant was critical for getting the word out that we need to frame our political message if we want to be heard (Rather than “taxes” let’s talk “investment in our country.”) Drew Westin understands (and explains) that we make our choices, especially our political choices, not with our heads but with our hearts and gives us examples of how to do that. I heard Westin, a clinical psychologist and political strategist from Emory University, interviewed on Diane Rehm (http://wamu.org/programs/dr/07/#Dec - and archives for July 12, 2007) and wanted to stand up and cheer when he articulated what John Kerry should have said in response to the Swift Boat campaign: “Mr. President – don’t YOU tell ME what it means to be heroic in war.” (Addressing George Bush it would have made clear that the decision to run that ad met with approval in the White House.) And he say Kerry should have said that within 24 hours, because, according to Westin, his honor was at stake. Because he didn’t do that, because he didn’t defend his honor, Westin believes he lost inordinate numbers of southern male voters for whom honor is bedrock. You could read Westin’s book just for the catalog of inspiring orations. From FDR through Bill Clinton (he ranks Clinton, along with Reagan, as one of the most talented articulators of political vision.) and gives example after example of how candidates should have, could have counterpunched malicious rumors and ads with gracious finesse. Westin’s main message it this however. If the Democrats want to start winning Westin says (and he admits he leans toward the Democratic party) they can’t start with policy positions – that comes later. They need to start first with a story/ a vision people can believe in and with candidates who know what they believe, “who can tell compelling stories about who they are and what they believe will provide their fellow citizens with hope and inspiration.” (420) Sounds like Obama to me! <back to list |
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