This plays to my own basic beliefs about politics and what I’ve referred to as “policy literalism” so it’s preaching to the choir. But TPM Reader TS responds to our Reflecting on Tuesday #2 …
Apropos of the comment that Dems are reluctant to outline robust economic opportunity policies because they know they cannot fully retake the Congress for some years, that underlines a huge problem for Democratic politicians: they vastly underestimate the value of political signaling, communicating a direction they are fighting for to constituents.
They ignore the value of outlining basic policy approaches so they can build understanding and support over election cycles.They place too much emphasis on the details of legislating. Research shows that how politicians talk greatly influences what citizens think and want.
Dems will also leave health reform in great danger until they start saying loud and clear that they are fighting to prevent major benefits, described specifically, from being taken away. Saying that ObamaCare needs fixing just plays into opponents hands. Too abstract and apologetic.
