This week in the values debate: 5/6/2008

Framing: general to specific

This week, most Democrats will be focused on the outcome of the Indiana and North Carolina presidential primaries. After a long spring (and what promises to be a longer summer) you could be forgiven for having a bit of election fatigue. The Democratic primary has been especially difficult this year because, in terms of policy, Clinton and Obama have substantial similarities. Because of these broad similarities, their debates have focused on policy minutiae. Undecided Democrats are parsing every last statement looking for a justification of one candidate over the other.

The risk, as the candidates delve into these details, is for an old criticism of the Democratic party to resurface. Here is the criticism: we are a collection of disparate interest groups rather than a unified movement.

Our diversity is the key to our strength. We need to always ensure, however, that we are presenting a unified message to voters. Our message needs to explain how the labor movement, the environmental movement, the civil justice movement and other groups are united for change. This will help us counteract the impression that our party is just a loose coalition of unions, environmentalists, lawyers and others.

HDA believes that Values can present a framework for developing that unified message. We believe that each Democratic policy position can be framed in terms of community, opportunity, responsibility, trust or service.

We believe that the best way to express our political viewpoints are to use these values as the beginning of each political conversation. Begin with this value, then move from general to specific, in order to make your point.

Values

Frames

Issues

When you are speaking with a voter at his or her door, preparing a speech or writing a letter to the editor, resist the urge to dive into policy details. You can get into specifics, but be patient. Before you tell voters what you are going to do, tell them why. What value drives your decision? Then frame the issue in terms of a dichotomy. Explain how your position is different from the other side's position. Then specifically address the issue at hand.

By approaching political topics in this way you can accomplish two goals. You can engage voters on the level of values. You can also help reinforce the impression that our party is united around a set of broad goals. Then we can avoid being dragged down by our differences.

The nationwide membership of HDA, recognize the need for Democrats to engage in, expand, and ultimately win the "values debate." HDA members understand that progress cannot wait for the next campaign season, because Democrats need to start changing minds now.
HDA champions strong Democratic values in Missouri and throughout America’s Heartland. The era of the apologetic Democrat in middle America is being laid to rest forever - replaced by a unifying values message worthy of the hard-working people of middle America.

OUR VALUES

Opportunity- Government, in partnership with society, can create opportunity for all Americans who are willing to work. Democrats believe in helping all Americans to realize their potential.
Responsibility- Responsibility does not end at our front door. Great leaders act out of responsibility toward their communities, and it is that sense of duty that pushes Democrats to fight for the interests of working families.
Community- The measure of our community will always be whether we protect the most vulnerable among us. Democrats seek a stronger America ready to tackle great national challenges as one community.
Trust - A stable world, a secure nation and safe communities are built on trust, and trust is earned by encouraging honest, transparent government. Democrats understand that trust must be earned every day - that it is not a prize for winning elections.
Service - Public service should be selfless, not selfish. Democrats oppose those who seek power for power's sake. We place the people before the powerful, not the other way around.