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It's the Slogans, Stupid [1]
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Date: 2025-05-25
I've been trying to make sense of what is happening to our democracy, our government, and our leaders. Richard Feynman said when trying to explain a concept, pretend you are explaining it to a child. I am using that method to answer complex questions. I have many questions, but here is one I have finally figured out: Why do Republicans keep winning, when their policies are so bad?
The answer is the Republicans have better slogans and catch phrases. The best ones are three words, four words, max. In the 1960's they had “American, love it or leave it”. Five words is OK if you have alliteration. Richard Nixon said “I'm not a crook”. Kind of memorable, but not punchy enough. Next up,George H W Bush with “No new taxes”. Now that's a winner: three words, very memorable, and very clear. Still used today in other forms by Republicans. Barack Obama had “Hope”, as in I hope I win. Sad.
The best ones came from Donald Trump and his followers. For example: “Lock her up”, “Let's go, Brandon”, “own the libs” and “America first” (copied from Warren Harding). And the crown jewel: “Make America Great Again”. (Actually a Reagan slogan, but used better by Trump.) Who can't get behind that one? Plus, it has a great acronym that fit's on a red cap. This catchy, four word slogan will fit nicely on a T-shirt and several good slogans can fit in a voter's brain.
The Democrats have policies, programs, and ideas, but who can remember a 25 word explanation? All Democrats have is a phase by James Carville from the Clinton campaign: “It's the economy, stupid.” On point, but a little condescending. We have nothing catchy or cute to shout at rallies, at Republicans, or when the media is watching. Republicans have the T-shirts, the bling, and the banners because they are proud of their slogans. They can easily defend and justify any position by simply repeating their favorite slogan with no thinking required. Hey, drill, baby, drill.
But seriously, I think I”m on to something here that explains today's voters. I bet there is a strong correlation between catchy slogans and winning elections. If only there were some researchers left in the country to test my theory.
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