Thinking strategies

I can accept that even if it is the correct electoral strategy, the
Democrats cannot simply do nothing in the lead up to the mid-terms. On
the other hand, what they do try might have minimal effect to the
result anyway.

The fact is that other issues drive voter intention, like economic
realities at the base and the fact that governments lose rather than
oppositions actually winning.



Having accepted that human nature dictates some positive action,
besides projecting as an acceptable alternative, I'll canvass some
potential strategies.



The economy is probably the most important single issue, but one
needing a careful approach. The Democrats need to dumb down the key
negative message and keep positive proposals broad and accessable to
the average voter.

I noted in a recent post (corrosive-economic-message)  how effective, albiet skewed, the
sentimental message jogging memories of distant days hits the bullseye
every time.

Comparisons with past pricing, ignoring of course inflationary
comparisons, drives an effective message.



The Lieberman loss has created a disproportionate focus for the left.
There were other factors involved, besides war.

It would be political suicide, in the US, to allow the Dems to slide
too far to the left, it is just not that sort of society.

Even so, the Admins handling of the WoT gives Dem leadership a
fantastic opportunity to support some of the key issues of the left and
retain the middle ground.

Simply attacking the demonstrably inept strategies of the Bush admin
and their congressional supporters sends a powerful sign. But
canvassing other options, besides dead end conflicts.

The Dems can stay focussed on policies of stabilisation and peace, they
can start talking about political realities of the Middle East and the
need to work with stakeholders in that region to support the kind of
transitions which are really wanted by the people involved.

So the US will not have the control they are seeking in the region, but
it is obvious that they are not going to gain that control with current
strategies.  

But a different approach, like the economic approach, must be couched
in terms ordinary voters can relate to. Essentially, off the back of
the destructive strategies currently in place the Dems would look for
ways to effectively support various efforts for self determination,
military support included.



That risks the oil sacred cow, but without going green left it is
obviously time to start dealing with oil dependancy, or to actually
bring online the accessable fields which are currently being sat on.

So a two pronged approach to energy whic suggests managing and
utilising existing resourses better while developing acceptable
alternatives offers a credible, across the board approach.

Except, of course, to the corporates who profit from the current
instability, but mobilising the electorate in a way they can understand
cuts the ground out from under the big money influences.



That's a start, anyway. There is no point is pursuing radical change,
and the approach is well within the bounds of cynical political
strategies.