Virginia Grassroots Summit (VGC): Al Weed takes a Whack
By: Lowell
Published On: 3/12/2005 2:00:00 AM
At today's Virginia Grassroots Coalition summit, which I attended, Al Weed of Public Policy Virginia gave a powerful talk on selling progressive values - and candidates - in a conservative state. Among other things, Weed spoke frankly of his 2:1 loss as the Democratic candidate for Congress in Virginia's 5th District in 2004. Here are some highlights of what Mr. Weed had to say, all of which is excellent advice for Democrats running in Virginia this year:
Strongly recommended that everyone read George Lakoff's classic, "Moral Politics: How Liberals and Conservatives Think". Weed specifically stated that if he had read this book before 2004, he would have run a very different campaign than he did - possibly with different results.
Emphasized that the first key for Democrats/progressives if they want to start winning again is to recognize what Republicans/conservatives have accomplished. In particular, Democrats must understand that the Republicans have built up a massive machine, based in part on "framing" the issues their way, and have gotten great results from it. Echoing Joe Biden at the Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner in early February, Weed emphasized that Republicans have been serious, smart, and relentless in building their machine. However, according to Weed, that machine is now starting to sputter as people ask themselves, "What have [the Republicans] actually DONE for us?"
Argued that Democrats/progressives have the issues on their side, but they need a strategy. Democrats also need to understand the Republicans/conservatives' strategy against them, which is largely based on destroying the New Deal (the main target being Social Security) and the "leveraging" of U.S. power internationally through the frequent use of military power (i.e., lots of wars).
Explained that the main way Democrats/progressives have been failing is by being unwilling to talk about moral structure and to connect with people based on their shared values. Weed says point blank: "We need to talk to people where their hearts are, not where their heads are," or "we'll never get anywhere."
Made an obvious reference to the "echo chamber" effect of liberal blogs, imploring Democrats to talk to people across the political spectrum, not just to themselves. Right now, according to Weed, it's mainly a conversation among like-minded people.
Pointed out that the key to a Democratic/progressive moral counter-argument is the call to the common good (on health care, education, the environment, etc.), that we're "all in it together." This is in stark contrast to Republicans' belief in a Darwinian world in which it's every man (and woman) for themselves, every "tribe" against every other "tribe." Also, Democrats need to confront Republicans head-on in their belief that if you need help, there's something wrong with you.
Urged Democrats/progressives to discuss their issues using language from most peoples' main source for moral values -- the Bible. For instance, the Sermon on the Mount says that "Blessed are the poor" -- also the "meek," "the merciful," "the peacemakers," "those who show mercy," and "those who are persecuted because of righteousness." Does that sound like a Jerry Kilgore Republican to you?
Reflected that politics is not just about issues, it's about values and connecting on a "gut level" first. Weed specifically stated that Democrats/progressives can and must do this, and that if they don't, they will have nobody to blame but themselves.
Great stuff by Al Weed. Now, if only Democrats running for office are smart enough to take his advice.
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