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It's
All in the Image
December 13, 2002
By Ronald Gerughty
It is said that perception is reality. And the reality is
that the Democrats are perceived as rudderless and floundering,
seeking a way out of the morass. Recently, there have been
a plethora of articles on how the disorganized, disappointed,
and discombobulated Democrats can recover and reverse their
losses. Numerous theories have been advanced as reasons for
the debacle; however, blame seems to center on the lack of
message and on the conservative bias of the mainstream media-although
true, they miss the mark. It's all in the image.
It's the bully in the schoolyard syndrome. The primary reason
for the devastating performance in election 2002 was the image
the Democrats created in the minds of the public as gutless,
intimidated, weak-kneed, hapless characters being pushed around
by a fearsome ideologue. It rapidly became apparent that they
had no desire for dueling with a formidable foe, Bush the
bully. Gone was their passionate love for principle, replaced
by insincerity, acquiescence, and an all too obvious attempt
at self-preservation.
Although few actually like or admire a bully, most follow
his lead as they perceive strength and conviction, however
misplaced. Concurrently, there is little respect for the victims--they
are perceived as too weak to stand up for their rights. There
usually is sympathy and some degree of empathy, but other
than their close friends, there will be no following.
The Bush administration excels at the politics of fear and
most of the Democrats fell for it in its entirety. Abandon
the message, disregard the constituency, protect our asses
became their modus operandi. Don't object too strenuously
to the massive tax cut for the wealthy, give in to the Iraq
resolution, ignore the unconscionable contents of the Homeland
Security bill, and maybe he'll not target us. These actions
created an image of Bush and gang bullying the Democrats and
the Democrats providing no response. They were mugged in the
schoolyard and simply snuck off to lick their wounds and soothe
their egos. Consequently, the Democratic base was angered
by this wimpy, self-serving approach-disgusted and ashamed
to be associated with a Party that would tolerate, let alone
encourage, such actions. The result was predicable-stay home
and let others vote.
The Democratic Party has effectively alienated and diminished
its base. By failing to oppose Bush's policies that they knew
were wrong and would harm their constituents, they failed
to acknowledge the needs and desires of those within the base,
they created a no-win strategy. Alas, Democratic voter turnout
in most states was abysmal. We cannot cast the blame on the
media or on the Bush juggernaut. We have no one to blame but
ourselves. There was a major disconnect between the people
and their representatives-a failure to act responsibly. There
was no moral opposition. No Democrat had the intestinal fortitude
to challenge the bully, to expose him for what he is: a fear-peddling,
warmongering iconoclast determined to take over the minds
of all Americans and forever change the nature of our country.
If individuals who represent the people cannot or will not
stand up for themselves, they certainly will not stand up
for us. The image narrows the options: vote for the perceived
strength or do not vote at all.
Is all lost? Is the Democratic Party dead? Not hardly. But
changes must be made. First and foremost, our representatives
must rediscover their backbones and assert their principles
with moral clarity and depth of conviction. No whining and
cheap sloganeering, it's counterproductive. They must, once
again, go into the field and truly listen to their constituents,
to communicate with them the perils of the Bush administration.
Don't try to force-feed the Party rhetoric, but give them
the tools they need to open their eyes and make an informed
decision. They have been traumatized by the Pennsylvania Avenue
bully and are afraid for their lives and those of their families.
They do not understand that George W. Bush poses a greater
threat to their lives and way of living than Saddam Hussein
could ever dream. Little do they realize that war with Iraq
will most likely result in increased activities from al Qaeda
and other terrorist organizations against them here in the
United States. Importantly, provide them with resources where
those who desire further information can find the data to
objectively weigh both sides.
To refute the perceived image, a trust has to be redeveloped
and a sensitivity to those represented must be demonstrated.
Responsibility must be restored. New and effective leaders
must be cultivated--leaders who can articulate a message based
on democratic principle and fight for the health, safety,
and welfare of all Americans. They must be able to take the
fear instilled by Bush and turn it into anger-anger at being
lied to, manipulated, and taken for fools too stupid to know
the truth. Transcend the fear and channel the anger into a
grassroots surge to regain our freedoms. Form alliances between
the Democrats, Progressives, Libertarians, and moderate Republicans
who respect the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and rule
of law to fight to regain what Bush and Company have taken
from us.
When the Democrats reverse their image, when they appeal
directly to those who support the principles of the Democratic
Party and democracy with a coherent, realistic message, victory
can be sweet. The results in Louisiana demonstrate it can
be accomplished.
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