Posted on 08/18/2002 5:18:22 PM PDT by Auntie Mame
The Real Nature of Politics and Politicians
Political technology consists of:
- Organization (of Time, Talent, and Treasure)
- Communicating
The Sir Galahad Theory (paraphrased):
"Since I have God and the Truth on my side, that's all it takes to win."
Sir Galahad might have been a noble knight and his adventures make for good reading, but his is a lousy political mindset. It takes hard work and brains to win hearts and minds, and you can't do it standing on a marble pedestal or speaking ex cathedra.
Political technology is philosophically neutral. You owe it to your philosophy to study how to win. Political technology is political success.
There are two things that all politicians respond to:
- Pleasure. Most people who contact their representatives do so to complain, and the occasional and rare positive call from a constituent tends to raise eyebrows and get one's name and/or cause remembered. Politicians want to look "good" (whatever your definition of "good" might be).
- Pain. Politicians respond to complaints - its in their nature. Each complaint represents a potential vote in the next election winging its way over to their adversary.
A Few Facts About the Voter Base
An average of 24 percent of registered voters actually show up to vote on Election Day. This is a variable and can change depending on local "hot-button" issues or lack of same.
Hard-Core Yellow-Dogs
On average, 10 percent of registered Democrats and 9 percent of registered Republicans are the hard core of the respective parties. If someone ran a yellow dog and slapped a "D" or "R" sandwich board on its side, they'd be the ones casting votes for it.
To use limited resources most efficiently, do not expend a lot of energy, time, and money trying to persuade yellow-dogs (whether in your party or the other party). While it is important to remember your base and govern accordingly (if you win, but you've got to win in order to govern), scarce resources are better served trying to persuade the other 90/91 percent.
How To Be An Effective Internet Activist
(ed.: I would appreciate any fill-in on the sparse notes on this topic that anyone can provide. I wasn't present during a good deal of this presentation).
The realities of Internet activism are:
- Technology.
- Audience.
- Message.
- Action.
Email is not an effective way to lobby at the Congressional level. Phone calls, faxes, and dead-tree letters are much more effective. However, even letters have a limited effectiveness due to the long amount of time it takes to get a paper letter through the mail system. If you have a hot-button issue you want to communicate, use a fax.
Developing a Message That Works
Don't worry; I'm not turning into a math geek. But, there is an equation that fits this topic:
M = EC3
Message equals emotion times contrast, connection, credibility
Moral outrage is the number one motivating factor in politics.
A Few Tips:
- Use emotion to help develop your message.
- People think in pictures - use everyday examples.
- Tailor your message to your audience.
Don't answer the question you're asked - answer the question you want to answer.
Public Speaking
55 percent of public speaking is visual (appearance).
38 percent of public speaking is vocal (good speaking habits, no fillers).
An incredible 7 percent of public speaking is content (your message).
Some Public Speaking "Commandments"
- Frame the debate.
- Know the difference between your immediate audience and your REAL audience, then tailor your message accordingly.
- Smile. Make eye contact.
- Don't say "Um." It is verbal static. People hate listening to static, and will do their best to tune it out.
- Don't point. It makes you look judgemental and severe.
- Target your specific message to your audience.
- Use repetition. Use repetition. Use repetition. Use repetition.
Did I mention "use repetition?"
Fundraising 101
Some of the goals of this particular portion of the conference were:
- How do you ask for money?
- How do you make up a good finance committee?
- How can you chair more profitable fund-raising events?
Personal solicitation is the best way to raise money. All politics is personal (when it comes to fund-raising).
Compile and stick to a script in your fund-raising efforts:
1. Greeting. "Hello" is a good start ;)
2. Small talk. Personalize your sales pitch to the pitchee.
3. Sales pitch. Why are you going to win? Who is going to vote for your candidate? How will the donation you seek for your cause help your cause?
4. Close the deal. Ask for the money; how much, when do you need it, etc. - its as simple as that. Personalize to the donor how their donation will help your cause. For example, if you need $4000 for yard signs, tell them that you need at least $1000 for yard signs.
Look up how much potential donors have already given to other candidates, and ask for at least that amount. Do you want more information on the SEC and 527 filings of candidates for political office? Wish you had a ready source of info about the moose and cheese PAC? Looking for the dirt on your "favorite" House or Senate candidate? Wanna find out about that big donor to the other guy's coffers? Is that what you're after, bunky? Then merely type http://www.tray.com.
Networking and Developing Contacts
"Commandments:
- Hang out with successful people.
- Develop a database with factoids about your contacts.
Recommended Books on the Art of Networking
Hardball by Chris Matthews
The Path to Power by Robert Caro
Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty by Harvey Mackay
Earned Media for Activists
PR is not a dirty word - it is simply the art of doing good and getting credit for it.
Good PR:
- Is a shortcut to connect with voters.
- Lends credibility and believability to your cause.
- Is free.
Some tips to attract positive PR:
1. Look for the media angle. For example, if you want more attention when you speak on veteran's issues, schedule your press conference or Freep on Veteran's Day or Memorial Day. This ties in nicely with 3) below.
2. Frame the issues. Don't let disruptors pull you off-topic - talk about what you came to talk about.
3. Ride the wave. Conservatives get considerable mileage and favorable coverage talking about terrorism post 9/11 - this is true because terrorism has become an issue that is foremost in the minds of voters.
More trivially, don't let an event with a lot of public buzz pass you by if you have something to say. Let public events help you make your points - strike while the iron is hot.
4. Be creative. I remember an individual present at a Sore Loserman Freep bringing her dog with her, carrying a sandwich board sign. The unusual and funny sticks in people's minds, and you'll not get that sort of favorable publicity by simply being a talking head.
Tips for Dealing With the Media (handout, with ed. comments)
(by Brian Wilkes, 1995 Conservative Leadership Conference)
1. Never lie. If you can't tell the truth, don't say anything at all.
Note: There is very little difference in a reporter's mind between lying and "misleading").
2. Never get upset or angry when talking to a reporter, and definitely do not raise your voice. Be friendly and respectful.
3. KISS (Keep it Simple, Stupid). Your message and words should be simple and easy to understand.
4. Repetition, repetition, repetition, repetition. Once you have a good, simple message, repeat it constantly.
5. Keep your sense of humor (or develop one). One of the most special memories of the Sore Loserman Freep I took away was the lady who dressed up her dog with a sandwich board sign reading, "Don't blame me - I voted for Bush!." That sign got the most giggles, winks, and positive comments from passersby of any of the signs we lugged around.
6. Become a source of information and news. If you want your side of the story told, tell it yourself. You can be sure your opponent will.
7. Never distribute inaccurate information. Be a reliable source. There is no excuse for being lazy and not double-checking all facts.
8. Learn about all local media; TV, newspapers, radio stations. Find out the deadlines, reporters you will most likely deal with, phone numbers, and fax numbers. The local AP bureau is vital, so don't forget them. My local AM news radio station (WBAP) sent people to cover our Sore Loserman Freep in December '00 at the Tarrant County Courthouse. They have 50,000 watts and millions of listeners; all we needed to harness a bit of that was one phone call.
9. Don't be afraid to call and introduce yourself to a reporter. Maybe even briefly get together with them to personally introduce yourself and explain what your organization or cause is about. This can be the beginning of developing a personal relationship. (But remember, reporters are never your "friends." They can turn on you in a second. Nothing personal, its just the business.)
10. If you don't know an answer, then say so and get back to the reporter later. (And remember Rule 1).
11. Don't make a habit of talking to reporters "off the record." Generally, if you're willing to say it, you should be willing to see it published. Assume everything you say is on the record.
12. When speaking to reporters in person, especially on TV, remember John Wayne's advice to young actors: "Speak low and speak slow." Do not look down at the microphones or at the cameras, look directly at the reporter(s) during the interview. You have nothing to be ashamed of in presenting your message; why look like you are?
13. If you have a problem with a story, call the reporter and talk to them about it. Explain why you think a certain part is inaccurate and back it up with documentation or other data. (Remember Rules 2 and 5). If necessary, ask the editorial page editor if you can write a response to be published on their op-ed page.
14. Attend the Leadership Institute's Public Relations School and Broadcast Journalism School.
How 'bout the ultimate parody? The Federation meets Bedrock!
It lacks theme.
Yes, on photoshop, you can resize your pics to a smaller size.
Edit > Transform > Numeric
Bummer.
Thanks for the link.
One_Particular_Harbour & Miss Slip18
Our gracious speaker, Laura Ingraham
The gang's all here: Ugly Biker, Cyber Liberty, Slip18, IDunnoWhoHeIs, Dixie Sass and, of course, some guy sitting in front of us who crashed the FRiva a couple of times. We liked him, though, so we let him stay.
Thankyverymuch, but I was trying for Sammy Davis Jr. in that pic?!?!
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