How to Avoid Losing

We need a strategy that avoids seeing policy choices as "woke" or "maga," but instead based upon actual shared values.

This is a companion piece to a blog on “principles” that I sent out Friday. Perhaps you might want to also read John Ryder’s comment on that blog and my reply. My position may appear contradictory, although I think I stand by both blogs. At least as the basis for some discussion.

By the way, are “principles” and “values” really the same? Values steer ships to open seas and welcoming harbors, principles are often treacherous maps that sink ships.

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Recent NORC surveys reinforce the idea that Republicans and Democrats share the same values, while finding that both believe the other does not hold these values.

I.e. our polarization is primarily affective (emotional).

To the extent that this is true, governing strategies, especially at the local level, seem clear.  Avoid labeling any policy proposal as partisan in origin.  See issues as value based and policies as meeting common interests.

That is, use “fairness,” “opportunity,” “self-reliance,” “productivity,” as the grounding of policy and then show how the benefits are available to all (or most). 

Do not govern as the Republican mayor, or the Democratic mayor.  Instead emphasize accomplishments that avoid partisan labels, and avoid associations with words (like woke) that partisans will try to attach. 

Our unresolvable disagreements are at the emotional level, over words that label government actions that appear partisan.  We need to fight over what people choose to call any new (or old) initiative.   Success comes to those that can control the labeling.

This is marketing.  We should not stand on the sidelines and feel superior to those who fight this battle.  It is not manipulation.  It is a strategy to avoid misrepresentation.  Once a policy is viewed as grounded on a shared value (with a broad general label), then we can get the support (the votes) we need by a factual presentation of the actual benefits, i.e. lower insurance rates.