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Words Matter [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-04-10
I have been writing a series of articles here within a common theme that I’ve described as “Words Matter.” This article represents the rationale and framework for the series. For those who have decried our current situation, this article and the series are particularly important and relevant. Why? Because the war that we’ve been fighting and losing since 2016 is nothing short of a War of Words. But equally important to keep in mind is that this war is by no means over yet. Despite those of you who may believe that Trump has already gained ultimate power and we are nothing more than a resistance movement now, nothing could be further from the truth.
What is a War of Words anyway? At its most basic level, a War of Words is the contest to define reality — both yours and your opponents. This political framing is then the basis for all related political action.
What type of Arsenal is applied in a War of Words ? Let’s break down the components utilized within the Lexical Arsenal into several levels, each part building upon the others in succession.
Level 0 — Foundation Language: This is the simplest part and involves the creation of new keywords (and phrases) and / or repurposing of existing ones. Recent examples include “Liberation Day” and “Woke.”
This is the simplest part and involves the creation of new keywords (and phrases) and / or repurposing of existing ones. Recent examples include “Liberation Day” and “Woke.” Level 1 — Core Rhetoric : This is where kernels of ideas (often represented by keywords or phrases) are worked into simple arguments or talking points.
: This is where kernels of ideas (often represented by keywords or phrases) are worked into simple arguments or talking points. Level 2 — Applied Rhetoric : This involves combining and integrating Core Rhetoric Components (often built atop specific keywords), into policy and / or political planks within campaigns and movements.
: This involves combining and integrating Core Rhetoric Components (often built atop specific keywords), into policy and / or political planks within campaigns and movements. Level 3 — Complex Campaigns: This is where all of the other foundational components are applied towards specific objectives using various mediums and tailored to multiple specific contexts.
All four of these levels are necessary to construct successful political movements (and all support both Strategy and Tactics* which is a dependent overlay to the Foundation). The American Conservative movement and their foreign allies have spent a great deal of time and effort (decades and billions of dollars) building up their version of this type of Foundation (through multiple Think Tanks and news / propaganda organizations). In contrast, our side has invested very little time, effort or funds.
Note — An example of Strategic or Tactical Overlay using the Foundation would be specific application of features within targeted Social Media platforms or use of Podcast influencers.
If it has felt as though this contest has been rather one-sided, that’s because it has been, so far. One side in the current contest recognized the value of words in shaping reality, the other not so much. This is something that we can fix though, but it will require leadership and vision from an Opposition Party (the Democrats) that has yet to acknowledge their current role or even that this contest is underway.
Other articles from the Words Matter Series:
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