[Peace-discuss] Mean & Dumb (fwd)

[C. G. Estabrook]

[From the always interesting Sam Smith, in DC at <www.prorev.com>. --CGE]
 
ANTI-NADER HATE CAMPAIGN COULD BACKFIRE

The libelous anti-Nader material the Democrats are running in TV ads and
on the Internet could well backfire. Normally, when you're trying to win
over a constituency you're nice to them, but in the case of Nader voters,
the Democrats have been conducting a four year hate campaign against Nader
that has gained in intensity with the current race. The underlying message
is:  you're so stupid you voted for Nader. Not a particularly nuanced
approach to politics.

Unfortunately, however, the Democrats -- especially liberals -- have
increasingly stigmatized those with whom they disagree on some issue, thus
reducing their constituency with little chance of winning it back. The
voters being insulted by the hate Nader campaign join people like gun
owners, fundamentalists, southerners, and abortion opponents as among
those rejected by the Democrats even though they were once a key part of
their constituency.

Meanwhile, just as was true in 2000, the Nader support is not behaving the
way the liberal Democrats would have one believe. For example, Kerry just
lost 11 points in Minnesota polling but the Nader vote didn't change at
all.  Also, while Nader is showing strength in some expected states such
as California, he is also doing better than expected in places like
Indiana and South Dakota. Why? Because, despite the stereotype, the Nader
support comes from a variety of sources: Greens, ex-Perot backers, the
generally pissed off, and those who just wouldn't vote without Nader in
the race.

The best plan for the Democrats would be to cancel their hate Nader
campaign and adopt some of his positions so his supporters might have a
reason to back Kerry. As it is the Democrats are just acting mean and
dumb...