For decades, Republicans won the slogan war, and the contest was not close. Phrases such as “death tax,” “pro-life,” and more recently “woke politics” and the inspired “Make America Great Again,” not only dominated debate but also energized the Republican base and persuaded swing voters that Democrats were stealing their souls.
Yes, finally. Language is a powerful tool, but it has to be used with the focus on the target audience, not simply to self-aggrandize. That is why, for example, so much academic writing is excessively and unnecessarily dense. The writer is more interested in showing how much he or she knows than in communicating effectively with the reader. As a result, no one but another academic will have the patience, or the jargon, to wade through it.
Nice analysis, Lawrence! I took note of the freedom banners but I hadn’t noted the shifts to rights and safety. This is good strategy.
Yes, finally. Language is a powerful tool, but it has to be used with the focus on the target audience, not simply to self-aggrandize. That is why, for example, so much academic writing is excessively and unnecessarily dense. The writer is more interested in showing how much he or she knows than in communicating effectively with the reader. As a result, no one but another academic will have the patience, or the jargon, to wade through it.
So true!!!! Thank you.
For you, Jonathan...anything.
Thanks. It amazes me that Democrats took so long to realize how powerful language can be if used properly.