Memo to Democratic strategists: Your "New Direction" meme really sucks

[derby378]

So here I am, typing away on DU on another thread, and all of a sudden it hits me. Democrats should not merely be hanging on by their fingernails in the upcoming November elections, especially with the imminent death of habeas corpus and the legalization of torture. But even with Foleygate making El Diablo reach for his Maalox, the pundits are still saying that the elections are "too close to call."

Maybe, dear Democratic policy wonks and campaign strategists, maybe part of the problem lies with how you're trying to sell a Democratic makeover of Congress. "New Direction?" Wasn't that a dance song by Manufacture about 16 years ago? As a slogan, maybe it could have worked in 2002. Maybe.

But it's 2006, and we're stuck with an imperial Presidency, an illegal occupation, a crumbling Constitution, and the wheels starting to come off the American Dream. "New Direction" just ain't gonna cut it, hoss.

We need to be talking about revolution. Not as in "Gee, let's all wear bandanas on our faces and protest in a government-approved free-speech zone;" I'm talking real revolution - starting with the November elections. We need to be discussing the retaking of the nation that is rightfully the property of all Americans, not just some privileged former frat boy.

Democratic strategists, you have less than a month to get your shit together and hit this ball out of the park. Get to it. NOW.

[GainesT1958]

1. I really think it's a good idea to borrow a Repub slogan from 1946...

"Had Enough?" :eyes:

B-)

[derby378]

2. That slogan might have worked back in 2004

Today, it just seems so underwhelming. Still, I'm helping distribute signs bearing that slogan in my home precinct, so we'll see what effect that has in my hood.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

3. no shit. That's on the level of a used car ad. or worse.

What blithering, dithering, tasteless, inane and short-sighted DLCer came up with that line of crap?

I've seen some superb ads in some local elections, hard-hitting, creative, entertaining, and even poignant, and best of all, their approach is fresh and keeps your attention. WHY THEY HELL DO THEY PUSH THIS TYPE OF CRAP ON AMERICA? It sucks. It seems more stale than 12 week old bread, except with the fungus.

[derby378]

4. At least you can make PENICILLIN out of bread mold...

This watered-down sloganeering nonsense doesn't impress me much. Sounds like you and I are of one accord.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

6. Sounds like "New Coke".

I personally think the "Had Enough/Time for a Change" is very good, IMHO.

It's very simple, straightforward, clear in meaning, and TRUE. Unlike "New Direction".

[rucky]

5. I don't think they're going for the DU voter.

it kinda puts a positive spin on the shredding of the Constitution, for those potential voters who feel something's wrong but don't think voting Dem would make any difference (or buy into the "dems don't have a plan" meme).

not saying I connect with the slogan, but they've already locked up my vote.

[hvn_nbr_2]

7. New direction. We can do better. My bland is better than your bland.

Blah blah new blah.

I could get behind "Kick the thugs out!" or "No Halliburton. No pedophiles. No torture. No crooks."

[derby378]

8. Try this out: "It's your country. Take it back."

Sounds like a winner to me.

[hvn_nbr_2]

17. Yeah, I like that.

I like "Had enough?" too.

People are angry; I want something with a bit of edge to it. I've had quite enough of tweedelblah and tweedleyawn.

[RDANGELO]

9. You have to deal with the public perceptions as they exist.

Most Americans just don't view *Bush's actions concerning the conduct of the Iraq war and and the handling of terror suspects as horrendously as we do. They just think he is an incompetent,stubborn,idiot. Once the Democrats gain more power in the house and Senate, they can use that to show the masses just how sinister he really is.

[JackRiddler]

11. bullshit

Most Americans know how bad things are. They receive no reinforcement from their environment. They think they are alone or in the minority, because the ostensible "Democratic" opposition and the media are constantly perpetuating the false tactic of not speaking openly. If you want to "show the masses how sinister he really is," now is the time. Before the election is your best chance. Your attitude to "the masses" is elitist and patronizing. (First we must fool them into voting Democratic, then after that we'll dare to tell the truth. Yeah, right.)

[RDANGELO]

13. Time and the corporate media are against us.

There is no way between now and Nov. 7th ,you are going to convince the majority that *Bush is a war criminal. Polls show that about 35% think he should be impeached.

[JackRiddler]

14. always this same excuse

I've been hearing it since 1980. If the opposition had been relentless in describing the Reagan era as it was truly, rather than compromising truth with tactics, there would have never been a Bush I admin. Only risk brings gain.

[derby378]

15. The Bush regime doesn't have that problem - they MANUFACTURE perception

That's why they've got Karl Rove on board. Public perception can be manipulated, and sometimes more easily than any of us would be willing to admit.

I'm not saying we should go around telling people what to think, but if we want to convince people of the rightness of our cause, we have to do more than just lay the facts out on the table. Unfortunately, we have to sell, sell, sell.

[leftchick]

10. you are exactly right

new direction? How about the fucking opposite direction? Give me a fucking break. Don't they pay folks to come up with better shit than that?

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

12. They are either paying them not enough, or WAY TOO MUCH.

[Tellurian]

16. How About? KEEP BENDING OVER for Repulicans..HAD ENOUGH yet?

KEEP BENDING OVER for the GOP.. HAD ENOUGH?

I think this says it ALL..in every which way.

From the Constitution on Down..

and a reminder about the closet Foleys still uncovered in Congress.

[Tellurian]

19. TIRED of BENDING OVER? ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

with the GOP elephant logo...

Americans are sick and tired of a sick government and tired politics.

[Tellurian]

20. Rather than, "Time for a Change.".

The question begs...Change to what?

[HardRocker05]

18. yep; totally uninspiring, non-committal, meaningless noise. nt