Democrats reaching for that winning MAGAnetism.

[Along Came Jones]

For your consideration here's a link to Behind the Curtain: Democrats channel combative MAGA energy from left of center Axios. The teaser:

Democrats are tortured by what they should stand for now and heading into the 2028 elections. But a number of current trends suggest a likely answer: their own version of a populist, anti-establishment, MAGA-like makeover.

Why it matters: The debate is usually framed as liberal vs. centrist, Rahm versus AOC. But big, fast changes in AI, media habits and general public angst point to a more sweeping shift in ideas and attitude.

Time to revisit Marshall Mcluhan's "the medium is the message."

 

[Lycanthrope]

A critical mass of voting Americans aren't concerned about realpolitik or serious issues. They want bias confirmation, instant gratification, and feeelings.

"It's the stupidity, stupid."

 

[SNOWFLAKE]

Not sure it is a good strategy, but.......................... when you watch on debate forums like this one the vitriolic reactions of Righties to how Newsom is attacking Trump, maybe it will be a winning strategy.
Newsom is getting headlines and Righties are having meltdowns. It's enjoyable to watch.

 

[The Brad Dad]

This isn't even about strategy anymore. Dem polling and results are specifically due to national Dems adopting a Republican-lite position on too many things. The base gets depressed, and indies don't see real opposition to maga. Dems want a fight. A large portion of non maga wants a fight.

 

[Along Came Jones]

Not sure it is a good strategy, but.......................... when you watch on debate forums like this one the vitriolic reactions of Righties to how Newsom is attacking Trump, maybe it will be a winning strategy.
Newsom is getting headlines and Righties are having meltdowns. It's enjoyable to watch.

CNN, among other MSM outlets, has taken notice. Tagged Newsom as the face and voice of an aggressive Democratic counterattack, but leaves hanging any real speculation as to the strategy's success.

Through happenstance and his oft-demonstrated political guile, the California governor is quickly raising his national profile. And you could forgive Democrats for seeing him as the potential future national leader they’ve been begging for.

But whether that’s good for the Democratic Party is another matter entirely. -- Gavin Newsom is owning the MAGAs. How far can he take it? Analysis by Aaron Blake, CNN, 8/19/2024

Social media streaming. All-caps messages. Pop culture parodies. AI-edited meme content that is specifically designed to mock Trump. I don't think that barrage is aimed at people like me who gather their information, such as it is, from traditional written and broadcast sources. No doubt it titillates and raises the morale of likely Democratic voters. But the real target must be the undecided, unaligned and uncommitted among younger folks who frequent social media outlets where those messages and parodies are likely to be seen. Anyway, that's my guess. And yes, for Trump supporters they do the opposite of titillate and raise morale.

 

[Blue Dog]

Mixed feelings on this issue.

My default position is to NOT engage in the same behavior as those deserving of obloquy. A race to the bottom does not benefit the political party that should be leading by a positive example.

That said, at what point do we say there is nothing left to lose by engaging in the same barbarism…

 

[SNOWFLAKE]

CNN, among other MSM outlets, has taken notice. Tagged Newsom as the face and voice of an aggressive Democratic counterattack, but leaves hanging any real speculation as to the strategy's success.

Through happenstance and his oft-demonstrated political guile, the California governor is quickly raising his national profile. And you could forgive Democrats for seeing him as the potential future national leader they’ve been begging for.

But whether that’s good for the Democratic Party is another matter entirely. -- Gavin Newsom is owning the MAGAs. How far can he take it? Analysis by Aaron Blake, CNN, 8/19/2024

Social media streaming. All-caps messages. Pop culture parodies. AI-edited meme content that is specifically designed to mock Trump. I don't think that barrage is aimed at people like me who gather their information, such as it is, from traditional written and broadcast sources. No doubt it titillates and raises the morale of likely Democratic voters. But the real target must be the undecided, unaligned and uncommitted among younger folks who frequent social media outlets where those messages and parodies are likely to be seen. Anyway, that's my guess. And yes, for Trump supporters they do the opposite of titillate and raise morale.

What Newsom is doing is trolling Righties and Trump. It is not enough. But it can still be part of a strategy. The reason I posted what I posted is from personal experience. Here in Canada, our conservative candidate - Poilievre - alienated voters by passing himself off as a mini Trump. Carney on the other hand kept a steady hand but also talked tough, both of which appealed to Canadian voters.
I am willing to bet that talking tough and mocking the Right, COUPLED with a message of unity and purpose could win the Dems more elections. Trouble is too many Dems are either all in on the center or all in on the left and don't seem to get along. THAT won't work.

 

[SNOWFLAKE]

Mixed feelings on this issue.

My default position is to NOT engage in the same behavior as those deserving of obloquy. A race to the bottom does not benefit the political party that should be leading by a positive example.

That said, at what point do we say there is nothing left to lose by engaging in the same barbarism…

Depends on definition of "in the mud" The Dems have been way too passive. They need to bring the fight but also know when to draw the line and not get into the ugliness the other side seems to enjoy.

 

[MAGAnificent]

Newsom is getting headlines and Righties are having meltdowns. It's enjoyable to watch.

Actually, it's Newsom that is having the meltdowns.

 

[MAGAnificent]

Carney on the other hand kept a steady hand but also talked tough, both of which appealed to Canadian voters.

How's that working out? Trump is more or less ignoring Carney on the trade issues. US is doing fine while Canada is facing layoffs.

 

[iliveonramen]

Newsom's public relations team is getting him attention. That's modern politics, getting attention and putting out stuff people find entertaining. That's just a reality.

 

[SNOWFLAKE]

How's that working out? Trump is more or less ignoring Carney on the trade issues. US is doing fine while Canada is facing layoffs.

Childish and petulant replies are your norm, so no need to take you seriously.

 

[MAGAnificent]

Childish and petulant replies are your norm, so no need to take you seriously.

When I see that line of response, I assume you know you lost the argument. I accept your surrender. Carney has been marginalized.