Why arent Animal Rights ever an issue in presidential politics?

[ColemanMaskell]

25. by the way, if you're an animal rights activist and you want to be effective,

I can mention that animal rights activists do not gain supporters by throwing blood on women's fur coats and other flagrant displays of antisocial behavior. In fact that kind of thing turns people against them and labels them as a fringe group of nutters not to be listened to. On the other hand,
Remember the ad campaign with the baby seals? That was effective.

Factory farming is certainly an abomination, but telling people that isn't going to get you anywhere. You need to align with their interests -- show them how abandoning factory farming means they would be better off personally in some way.

Personally I tell people that free range organic eggs taste much better, which is true. It doesn't carry much sway with people who are forced by their circumstances to be cost conscious, but it can influence people who can afford to choose.

If you're trying to sell an idea, use persuasion, not intimidation. Animal rights activists would do well to take some courses in (or at least read up on) salesmanship, persuasion, debating, that sort of thing. If you want to be effective.