Do bumper stickers do any good?

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

(I posted this on the other board, but I'm thinking some of the politios here might have an opinion )

I'm going to pick up some Kerry/Edwards bumper stickers for my folks, and maybe myself, tomorrow...

...but I wonder if they do any good as adverstising or to motivate people to vote for or consider Kerry (or any other candidate).

Any serious political types have any opinions on this, or know if there is anything on thisl..how effecitve bumper stickers are?

[SaveElmer]

1. Makes me feel good

When I piss off a right winger!!!

[Caution]

2. yes

as more and more kerry stickers appear, more and more republicans will think the election is a given and not bother to vote ;)

[John Q. Citizen]

12. Yes they do help

So do yard signs, newspaper endorsement list, and political ads.

They show people that their neighbors support a candidate and it allows people to decide to do the same.

Corporations found this out long ago, hence all the branded clothes.

[w13rd0]

3. It's actually a real "pick-me-up"...

...to see someone else on the road with like-minded bumper stickers. It's letting someone else know, "You are not alone." It's why it was so important to BushCo to suppress news coverage of any dissent before the war. It's why they use intimidation and get so angry when they see such. It infuriates them that someone disagrees and is vocal about it. Brownshirt tactics, like staging a riot at a courthouse where a recount is taking place that might not favor your guy. Like inviting only celebrities and the man off the street to give the "other side" of an issue, or just giving the other side no voice at all and pretending anyone that thinks "the terror alerts are being abused for political purposes" is just CRAZZZZYYYY!

[senseandsensibility]

4. I feel that the

average person is suseptible to persuasion, and wants to be part of the winning side. Swing voters may be especially vulnerable to this, and those are the ones that we need! In any case, I'm not about to let the few * bumperstickers I see go unanswered!

[sallyseven]

9. When you have a bumper sticker for Kerry

Watch the way you drive. If its for bush speed and cut people off to show what an ass hole he is. Just a thought

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

13. ooh..i like that...a W bumpersticker, and cut people off & run lights..

..the cops will let you go becuase they support the GOP anyway.

[senseandsensibility]

16. Not the cops I know

They're brothers and sisters, as in union members, and do not support *!

[Tweed]

36. Ummm... the Police Officers Union nationwide endorses Kerry

So I don't know why you would think that.

[mongo]

10. We have a winner

you have hit the nail on the head. It is a little crazy, but people do want to vote for a winner.

I will be a walking billboard for Kerry until the election.

[senseandsensibility]

18. Yes!

That's what I was trying to say. I was a journalism/advertising major in college, and it has been well known for literally centuries that "branding" works. My husband bought 5 Kerry t-shirts, which are now his summer wardrobe. He wears them everywhere, and gets quite a bit of positive feedback. People approach him to talk about Kerry! I only own one Kerry t-shirt, and it has long sleeves. It's too hot to wear in this weather, so I sent for another one. Let's all be walking billboards for Kerry!:bounce:

[Zookeeper]

28. I have an "Anbody But Bush Button"

on my "purse" and a lot of people have made positive comments (especially young people who are taking an interest in politics for the first time). I've never received a negative comment, but have noticed a certain "chill in the air" on a couple of occasions.

[fudge stripe cookays]

5. I'm with Caution.

The more Kerry stickers show up, the better.

Screw the paintjob! Which is more important? Your country or a keying?

We've got to intimidate these idiots into realizing that things are changing!

Every time I see a Kerry sticker, it makes me smile and fight harder! I pull up, give em the happy double-honk and a thumbs up. Whoever it is is usually delighted to see another one as well. We both drive away happy.

And today I got in front of a dick in a Mercedes with a Bush/Cheney sticker so he could see my veritable buffet of Democratic stickers laid out in front of him.

As they say,
"JUST DO IT!"

[Feanorcurufinwe]

6. Absolutely no doubt about it - YES.

First, seeing bumperstickers, signs etc., just reinforces the idea that it's 'OK' to support that candidate. Second, (less important in the Presidential race of course) they increase name recognition, which, makes people more likely to vote for the candidate. And finally, if there is a preponderance of one candidates signs/bumperstickers/etc, it creates a 'bandwagon effect' where people don't want to miss out on being 'part of something'.

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

22. yeah, im seeing more Bush & W bumper stickers.,..and feel alone..

...so I want to show support and sort of "fight back", being sort of contrarian in nature.

I saw a Kerry/Edwards sticker, today, and know that positive feeling seeing that.

[lutherj]

7. To an undecided voter, any show of support would help to make

a positive impression, IMHO. If they see them in a familiar context, like at their church or school, it could prompt their vote. At the least, it could spark some discussion, or remind them to register to vote.

[Bluebear]

8. It's galvanizing to me.

You don't feel like a voice in the wilderness when you see like-minded people.

[onehandle]

11. They've been doing great for Kerry.

Scaring the crap of Bush supporters and showing independents how much support there is for Kerry.

[parasim]

14. Bumper stickers as well as all other campaign materials

are needed, imo, because they develop mindshare, like any other impression-based advertising. The psychological effect of seeing more Kerry stickers than Bush stickers can only help the cause. There are a lot of voters who have never heard of Kerry, believe it or not, so if there are a lot of Kerry stickers, yard signs, banners, what have you, out there, perhaps these people will start to go, "Gee, who is this John Kerry guy?"

If nothing, else, at least it is better than seeing nothing but Bush stickers everywhere...

[tandot]

15. It feels great to see anti-Bush and pro-Kerry bumper sticker whenever

I am on the road. I live in a mostly Republican City and seeing that there are Democrats and Liberals not afraid to stick it to those right-wing nuts is giving me hope...

[swag]

17. I have searched for studies, but all I came up with was this

http://irregulartimes.com/bumperstickersmatter.html

Nevertheless, I can think of a lot of theories why bumper stickers might have value in a political campaign: theories of "cooperative herding", cognitive dissonance breakthroughs, learned helplessness, demoralization.

New residents of Northeast Portland with strong bias toward conformity may find themselves becoming Kucinich supporters, for example, because of the high density of Kucinich yardsigns and bumper stickers in Northeast Portland.

[ClassWarrior]

20. Don't limit yourself to studies on bumper stickers...

Look for studies on advertising logos and their prevalence.

[ClassWarrior]

19. Of course they do. As a marketing professional...

...I know that every point of contact "reinforces the brand." Why do you think there are McDonald's logos or Nike "swooshes" everywhere?

[ccvirgo911]

21. I love to see bumper stickers for Kerry/Edwards.

Sadly, both bumper stickers I have put on my car in the last month have been stolen.

[CrispyQ]

27. Can you tape it to the inside of your rear window?

That's what I do.

[Lizzie Borden]

23. I'm not sure if it does any good but...

I still have the famous "Lobotomies for Republicans,It's the Law!" sticker and I still get people coming up to it and laughing. Of course those are Democrats. But it makes me feel good and apparently it makes them feel good too.If you want the sticker, I got it from Northern Sun. They also have a very good "Bush, Homegrown Dope" sticker too.

[Hoping4Change]

24. Absolutely. I plastered my bike with bumper slickers in

the last hotly contested Municipal election. People waved, honked, clapped, and while I was stopped at street lights many people would strike up a conversation about the election. As I was a volunteer I always had a stash of buttons with me that I gave away when I discovered people supported my candidate. Bumper stickers give the message that people are excited about their candidate so much so that they are willing to advertise it and that makes an impression.

[DaveinMD]

25. in big races

bumper stickers have negligible impact. They offer no persuasion at all. They are useful in smaller races as a tool to boost name recognition. But that's not an issue in a presidential race.

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

29. So sort of pointless to have a Kerry sticker, then?

I was wondering about that.

[DaveinMD]

30. Kind of

but I still have one because it makes me feel good and makes other Dems know they aren't alone.

[genius]

26. Educational ones may educate.

[Claire Beth]

31. sure they do....

it shows support and helps others who support the candidate to stay motivated knowing that their are others out there who are seeing things their way. It's just a good thing.

[JPJones]

32. I think a Kerry t-shirt is more effective.

You actually get to talk to people.

[marlakay]

33. It lets others know they have support in the area

I have both bumper stickers and tshirts. In the car it lets other dems know we are out there. I see many people writing on this that say across america I see the kerry stickers or I see ones against bush and in a repub area! If we didn't do it how would we know how many of us there is?

Tshirts are also a must, I get asked from the grocery clerk to people on the street, at the airport, about my shirts. I have a Kerry/edwards one but wear a lot of others, one of my favs says, VOTE on the front and for a new line up 2004 on the back.

[zulchzulu]

34. Depends on how many other stickers are on a bumper

If a vehicle has a lot of stickers on the bumper, the message gets lost or the owner of the vehicle looks like a stereotype.

I've seen cars with Kucinich, Dean, Kerry, Save the Whales, Free Tibet, Pro-choice and other messages and it just looks embarrassing.

I have a Kerry-Edwards sticker, a Real Deal sticker and an Apple logo on my car and am thinking about maybe.... ah, whatever. But one more sticker would kind of get too distracting, imho.

I find buttons on items to be just as effective as long as there aren't a million buttons on a backpack or hat.

[bringbackfdr]

35. Stickers are great ways to vent

My two are -
Bush: Born on third base, thought he hit a triple; and
Defend America - Dump Bush
I should add a Kerry sticker, but want to limit it to two and can't decide which to get rid of.

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

38. I have Bad Nauheim stikcer, a UK sticker, and a german language one..

...for a radio station near Frankfurt....so, maybe overkill to put a Kerry one on.

[eridani]

43. One way around this

I've acquired a lot of stickers, but I don't want to cover my car with them. I trimmed a plastic report cover to bumpersticker size, and I stuck it on the inside of my rear window. Planning on adding another this weekend. This allows me to mix and match and change my political message with my mood. Plus, even in Seattle I don't think it's a good idea to leave a GEORGE BUSH IS A LYING SACK OF SHIT sticker on a parked car. (Or, for that matter, to have it visible with specific candidate names.)

[findyouranswers]

37. Up here in Minnesota

A mayor of St. Paul just swung his "democratic" ass toward supporting Bush because of a bumper sticker so it may only convert the stupid and uneducated.

However, I get a huge kick out of anti-Bush ones so keep 'em coming.

[AngryOldDem]

39. The Reasons for My Sticker

My first post here on DU! I'm glad to be a part of this group.

As for the bumper sticker question, I don't know if it makes a difference in persuading people one way or the other. However, that's not the reason why mine is on my car.

My humble Kerry/Edwards sticker is on my car to make a couple of statements: one, that I am supporting Kerry over Bush; and two, as a means of telling the public that despite what some may think, there is still such a thing as freedom of expression, political freedom, and freedom of association in this country. In subtle ways, all of the above have been under attack this election season -- all the more reason why we who have serious disagreements with this administration should -- and must -- stand up and make ourselves known.

By so doing we are sending a message that democracy is not yet dead --that opposition does not equal sedition or treason, and is indeed the hallmark of a healthy republic. This is the first year that I have felt compelled to get off the sidelines and become involved, and that is the main reason why. I have self-censored my political views too many times in too many forums for fear of what "the majority" may think, and I refuse to do so anymore.

I know some people who have said they've gotten a lot of positive responses from their stickers -- car horns, thumbs up, waves -- but I don't think I've gotten much reaction at all. But then, I live in a heavily Republican area where the "W in '04" signs outnumber Kerry by 2-1. That's OK, though, because as I've said, winning hearts and minds is not my main goal (but if I do, that's great!). Publicly declaring my support of John Kerry and my disapproval of George Bush is. Keeping freedom of speech alive and well is also in the mix, too.

I think a simple bumper sticker can say a lot more than just who you're backing in an election. So go ahead and get a handful and pass them out to family and friends.

[zuzu98]

40. Mine was taken off of my car today...

I prefer to think it was a poor Kerry supporter who couldn't afford his/her own, rather than a desperate and disgruntled * supporter who couldn't stand to see the writing on the wall.

[Proud liberal Kat]

41. My bumper sticker

I have Defend America, Defeat Bush on my car right now and am waiting for my Kerry Edwards 04 sticker in the mail. I live in RI, so I am mostly preaching to the choir around here LOL, but there are the occasional Bush/Cheney stickers around which keep me grounded and remembering that it isn't all roses out there.

The Defend America, Defeat Bush sticker I have because to me the most aggravating thing in this campaign cycle is the co-opting of patriotism, love of country, and defense of America by Bush and CO., just a reminder that at least half of the country disagrees with that.

I don't know if they will actually help change the election, but I wouldn't be surprised when I hear how little some base their political opinions on! To me it makes me feel good to always have a little display of the issue closest to heart displayed for people to know where I stand.
Kathy

By the way first post here, have been very happy to find a place with like-minded people. Lots of good information for de-bunking the Bush spin machine and talking points!

[maynard]

42. "The Dixie Chicks were right"

I have only seen that once, and I left a note to the driver, letting them know I approved.

[RobertDevereaux]

46. Yep. Defend America, Defeat Bush...

For me, that really sums it up. I have that and a Kerry/Edwards, and I have also ordered five more to keep in the car and give to anyone who comes up and admires the sentiment. Vicki and I go on road trips and make sure to note the bumperstickers. Get 'em! We need more cars in on the game!

[Generator]

44. Mine is a Democratic underground.com

Hopefully someone curious looks it up and finds reasons to vote for Kerry!

Does it really give that much free advertising?

Hope it does. Of course Portland is liberal so having a liberal bumpersticker is the norm.

[OnionPatch]

45. Yes, they help!

The president of our Dem club said there was actually some study that showed this. I believe her for all the reasons everyone stated above. Lots of people are drawn to vote for the winner. I don't understand why I don't see more Kerry stickers. Everyone I know hates Bush and is voting Kerry but I don't see enough Kerry stickers. Don't be chicken. Buck up! Stick 'em on there!