TO ALL THE SOUTHERNERS I BELITTLE, YOU'RE RIGHT

[Nimble_Idea]

There is a need to get the south , and this election proves that we can't win the presidential election without it. I agree with you that we need to reach out better, which may include moving more to the center, to win.

[omnithrope]

1. "you're right" (nt)

nt

[Nimble_Idea]

2. thanks!

:)

[Kipepeo]

3. I am a former southerner

and I believe we need the south, but we do NOT get the south by moving more "to the center."

We get the south eventually by reframing the debate. We will always lose if we try to win with the Republican frame.

Check out George Lakoff's new book, "Don't Think of An Elephant." It's an excellent short read on how to win back control of the debate.

[Chili]

4. I thought we should've campaigned in the South

...and I don't just mean North Carolina, I thought we should've gone into Georgia and Alabama and Mississippi and even Texas and Oklahoma - gone right into their midsts and talked to them, just talked. But of course, the money didn't really allow it. Still, we should have. I don't think we would've won a single state, but I DO think it may have swayed enough voters that the popular vote would've been much closer. It would've been a beginning. I think we need to do this next time no matter what.

[JohnDoe1]

5. Not necessarily move center...

If we appeal to the bible belt but acknowledge the separation of church and state, things could happen. A candidate simply affirming his strong religiousness and declaring that it forms the basis for ALL his decisions but acknowledging that he cannot by the Constitution write his religion into law would do wonders.

IMO, Kerry tried to tip-toe the issue too much. If he had presented a clear, focused image, things would be very different right now.