LIBERADIO(!)

Since Saturday night when President Bill Clinton called the Democratic Party the “party of how” during his energizing Jackson Day speech, I’ve been thinking of how Democrats, a.k.a. “The party that can govern because they believe in the good government,” can get their message about providing health security for all Americans and not just a select few heard over the constant barrage of lies from the “party of no,” a.k.a. the “Republican Party,” a.k.a. the “Party of we hate government so much that we can’t govern as you can see by the hand basket you’re all now in because of the last eight years of Republican rule.”

It seemed like an impossible task. Let’s face it, Republicans have both a consistent message and the means to disseminate. But today, after reading a column by Robert Reich with the following money quote (h/t Pith in the Wind’s Bruce Barry), I had what’s known (to me anyway) as a “Reichian Revelation.” I realized that for Tennessee Democrats, this is so much bigger and more important then getting out the message about health security for all:

“The most important difference between America’s Democratic left and Republican right is that the left has ideas and the right has discipline. Obama and progressive supporters of health care were outmaneuvered in August — not because the right had any better idea for solving the health care mess but because the rights’ attack on the Democrats’ idea was far more disciplined than was the Democrats’ ability to sell it.”

With that in mind I have one word for you, Tennessee Democrats.

Just one word.

Are you listening?

Messaging Infrastructure.

OK, that’s two words. Whatever. The simple fact is that you need to build a messaging infrastructure and you need to build it fast.

What is a messaging infrastructure? It’s a consistent, simple message for every issue that will come up during the 2010 election cycle – jobs, education, healthcare, guns, gods, gays, etc.. Then, once you have your messaging infrastructure crafted, you must build a solid infrastructure with your members i.e. candidates, elected officials, party spokespeople, caucus leaders, executive committee members, county chairs, etc.. and they must all – every single one – use the same exact messaging. No exceptions.

You see, Reich is right. It’s about discipline. They have it. We don’t. And worse, we make excuses and jokes (Will Rogers, anyone?) about not having it.

Look at your counterparts across the aisle. Do the more moderate Republicans ever criticized the extremists? Do the extremists ever call the moderate members out for not supporting their more crazy legislative efforts? No and No.

Now, name me the three things Republicans stand for. Go on. You know you can. Are they specific? Are they nuanced? Are they freakin’ more than a couple of words each? No, no and hell no.

Senator Andy Berke was on the right track back in January of this year when he wrote in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

If there is one fundamental, philosophical divide between Democrats and Republicans in our Legislature, it is over state government’s role in addressing these concerns. If you’re struggling in this economy, Republicans believe you’re on your own.

Democrats view things differently. Democrats believe we should use the tools of government to provide a platform of equal opportunity for all. While each individual’s success ultimately is his or her own responsibility, Democrats believe each individual’s likelihood of success will grow if we come together to provide good schools, safe neighborhoods, sound infrastructure and a clean environment.

Republicans: You’re on Your Own
Democrats: Equal Opportunity for All

Which sounds better? And what rural Democrat and his/her constituents wouldn’t be able to get behind it?

You have to do it and do it now. As President Clinton said last Saturday night, “Don’t stay on the defensive, play offense.”

And, I might add, the best offense is one where you don’t allow the other team to call you plays. In other words, stop using their terms to talk about important issues. (Yes, I’m talking to you Ty Cobb 2.0.)

More on Jackson Day from LeftWingCracker, Tom Humphrey of the Knoxville News Sentinel, Vibinc, Goldni, Southern Liberal Living, Sean Braisted, Rick Locker for Memphis Commericial Appeal, Left in Alabama, Southern Beale, Jeff Woods for the Nashville Scene, and Bill Nichols for Politico.