If I was part of the new Biden administration, the first thing I’d do is release a glossary of terms and policies we believe in - specifically designed to reframe the debate.
I’d tell the extreme left that “We can not make major strides forward if we're arguing amongst ourselves about each issue. Our strategy will be to peruse the art of the possible. Get on board and let’s move the ball down the field. We’re going to start by choosing more inclusive phrases that everyone can get behind.”
I'd tell the extreme right that "Most of what you've heard from your friends and conservative media is a lie. We are not socialists. We are not the enemy. We do not have a secret plan to take away your guns or your healthcare. Listen carefully to our actual words and watch the results of our actions and you will find the truth - the rest is just propaganda designed to make you afraid of real and essential progress."
I’d say...
Instead of “defund the police”, we’re going to “help the police”. Specifically, we’re going to invest more in social services, mental health services, and work with departments to teach de-escalation. Our police deserve to have an entire army of supporting services to help them protect and support our communities.
Instead of “black lives matter” we’re going to say “black lives deserve justice too”. Specifically, we're going to work to ensure our laws and our systems compensate for historical and ongoing injustices that hold back our friends and neighbors from having equal access to liberty and freedom.
Instead of talking about “socialism” we’re going to talk about “progressive values”. Specifically, we’re going to develop a new, gentler capitalism that has clear rules that balance the needs of labor with the needs of corporations and shareholders.
Instead of talking about “big government” vs “small government” we’re going to talk about "smart government" that effectively does what government must do. Protect the nation and protect the most vulnerable from suffering and violence.
Instead of talking about a “minimum wage”, we’re going to talk about “living wage”. Because no one deserves to be a modern-day slave. If you work a full-time job, you should be able to pay your rent and put food on the table.
Instead of talking about “more taxes” and “lower taxes” we’re going to talk about making sure that taxes are fairer and easier to understand and pay.
Instead of talking about “healthcare” and “Obamacare” we’re going to talk about “the right to life”. We believe that people deserve to live without going bankrupt or dying because of profit-hungry insurance companies.
Instead of “left” vs “right”, we’re going to talk about moving "forward" together.
None of this is particularly hard. Many advanced countries have done it before us. But in the last couple of decades, we have been so hell-bent on fighting each-other and fearing our government that we have fallen behind on the essential work of keeping our citizens safe, educated, and healthy. We must work together to catch up and keep up with the rest of the developed world or risk losing the American dream forever.
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That’s how hearts and minds are won. Through language and reframing the argument.
Democrats suck at this. They must get better.