If the problem for Democrats isn’t the policies, it must be the other stuff — the trust, the emotional connection, the identity. In short, the political brand. And judging by some of the contradictory results buried in Democrats’ mid-term
Democratic Political Brand Crumbles, But for How Long?
The 2012 election showed us how badly troubled the Republican political brand is — but this month’s election showed Democrats are in a lot of trouble, too. From here on, each side has a clear challenge: while the Republican electoral coalition doesn’t have the raw numbers of its Democratic counterpart,…
How Politics Disproves “Death of Brands” Sensationalism
Having information isn’t the same thing as processing it. That means there will always be a place for brands, both in politics and in commerce — because the power of brands comes from helping people simplify their decision making. Even so, you can always grab a few eyeballs by making…
Fact Check Death Match: Mythopedia vs. Factivists
In the last couple weeks, two liberal groups have launched unique branded programs to help push back against right-wing lies, correct the record, get the truth out there, etc. As the content lead for the 2008 Obama campaign’s Fight the Smears microsite and Obama Action Wire email program, here’s what…
Is the Conservative Info Bubble Good for Progressives?
I think the information bubble that caused Mitt Romney to be sure of victory when he was about to be blown out is dangerous. But what if it’s actually a good thing for progressives? That’s what Frank Rich seems to think: Rather than waste time bemoaning Fox’s bogus journalism, liberals…
The State of the President’s Brand
Last Tuesday, President Barack Obama delivered his fifth State of the Union address. But what is the state of the president? How is his brand holding up? On the surface, not well. According to Pew’s latest poll, the president was at 43% approval versus 49% disapproval on the eve of…
To Fight Poverty, Fight the Ultimate Attribution Error
Republicans in Congress forced the expiration of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans this weekend — an unprecedented move when long-term unemployment rates are this high. How could they be so cruel? Fighting poverty isn’t just a matter of making people care about the less fortunate — it’s about branding…
How Political Brands Are Made
Good branding requires discipline. Thus, brands tend to thrive on clear chains of authority and accountability. The Republican Party has an unhealthy brand. That’s been clear since well before the drubbing the party took in the 2012 presidential and senatorial elections. The Republican National Committee recognized the branding problem and…
Is the Democratic Party’s Brand the One in Trouble?
Since the Republicans got smoked in the 2012 elections (at least in the races for the Senate and presidency), much has been made of the decline of the Republican brand, the structural and demographic holes the party is digging itself, the Republican National Committee’s re-branding study, etc. But noted Democratic…
Why Gun Control Is Key to Democrats’ Future
Not all Democratic policy priorities are created equal. Some have the potential to go beyond improving society and making a positive difference in people’s lives — by laying the structural or ideological foundations for a lasting Democratic majority. Gun control is one of those foundational, dual-benefit policies. Usually such policies…