Humans are a story telling species. They also have inherent empathy and sympathy for their follow humans, whether they are part of their own tribe, or not. These are inherent and are likely derived as part of our common heritage through evolutionary processes. Furthermore, it is traceable to our other primate cousins, as well as mammalian, and even many so-called lower lifeforms.
Jacob Bronowski spoke of this in his BBC/PBS series The Ascent of Man in conjunction with his explanation of quantum theory, putting it into the political context of 1930's Europe. I posted an OP earlier this week on this.
Here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002714066
Unfortunately, DU missed my point, undoubtedly due to my inability to drive home my point.
The story-telling point is one of Bronowski's main focus in these programs. The political lesson we can take from these things -- which is something all of us here at DU can learn -- is that stories are a compelling way to portray ones message.
It is why programs like Ascent of Man and Carl Sagan's Cosmos were so great.
I think Obama and, especially, Biden have learned this. I see it every day in their speeches and public appearances.
Like Bronowski's last words in the AoM I cited, We have to touch people.
If we don't do that, we're hardly better than our opposition.
As always, thanks for your thoughtful response.
on edit: sorry for my usual rambling. 
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