In which we meet with George Lakoff.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In learning about framing our core progressive values, you might conclude that there's a prohibition on exposing the excesses, hypocrisy and "alternative facts" of our opponents. To be sure, there are times when going negative can hurt; research suggests candidates who go negative hurt themselves more than their opponent. The science behind framing also tells us that, rather than … Continue reading Going Negative
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Researchers and others have known for a long time that we don't have just one way of thinking. We are more often guided by our emotions and past experience than by cold rational analysis. Humans seem capable of rational thought, but that ability didn't exactly evolve to help us put people on the moon or … Continue reading Two Brains
When The Republican President crashes, will we be ready to pick up the pieces?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Beginning today and at every opportunity we must refer to Trump as "The Republican President". He most surely is: Republican extremist rhetoric, pervasive propaganda and their successful efforts at gerrymandering, dirty tricks and voter suppression created the opening Trump walked through. Republican leaders supported him during the campaign and continue to defend him. Trump in … Continue reading Call Him “The Republican President”
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] A recent visit with some wonderful old high school chums (that's them!) brought up a question I’ve been asked more than any other since America lost it’s marbles and elected a racist billionaire hell bent on oligarchy: “Since the unthinkable happened, I have to get involved, but how do I do that?" For my … Continue reading How Do I Get Involved?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Get "Alt right" out of your vocabulary. It is a way of referring to white supremacist groups that obscures the reality of what they are. Think about the framing: "alt" means alternative, as if it's just another way of being on the right. It also suggests it's trendy or cool -like "alt country". However, it's not a benign alternative and … Continue reading Don’t say “Alt Right”
Logical fallacy -and it's evil twin propaganda- are explored in expert and humorous form at David McRaney's YouAreNotSoSmart.com.
Frames in politics are not neutral; they reflect and underlying value system. -Charles Fillmore
Our seminar with Antonia Scatton on campaigning and framing messages at the DFL HQs (Minnesota's Democratic Party) included State Central Committee members, candidates and campaign managers.
