A rude theory on a winning strategy in 2008

(Assuming of course we can do something about Diebold before then)

Given everything that has happened in the past five years of Bush, I think one small change to campaigning strategy could make a world of difference.

Profanity.

Now hear me out while I make the case for it. One of the segments of the population the Democrats have missed out on is the male working class. Our image as always being politically correct hurts us, and hurts us badly. "PC" has become a code word for avoiding the realities of situation. I'm not here to argue the truth of that view, but simply to state that it exists. I'm sure everyone here is aware how the Republicans have completely owned the backlash against "PC". Take the issue away from them. No curse word taboo, no racial slur unsafe. (Remembering the cardinal rule that if you discriminate against only one color of people you're racist, but if you discriminate against all you're just an asshole.) Culture has become more profane, and whoever runs in 2008 should use it. The language of the average man has always been a little vulgar, but it has become more acceptable in all levels of society. Specifically to the beer drinking football watching segment of our society, there is an inherent power and honesty in foul language. Real men use real language. Real men get straight to the point. Nothing does that better, and generates more free publicity, than foul language. Democrats have the reputation (unfairly) of being soft. Of being weak. This is a strategy that plays right to counter that. Take the football crowd away from the GOP.

Now I understand that there will be liabilities to using foul language, especially among the extremely religious. They aren't voting for us anyways so fuck 'em. Old people may scared of bad words. But again, most that would change their vote because of a few naughty words were voting conservative to begin with. In my opinion, if done properly the net effect would be greatly positive as it would allow the sniping of young male voters without requiring any policy changes. Keep the left while sniping the center. I give an example below as to how it could be used effectively, how to introduce cursing into the campaign effectively.

After the Republican Candidate makes a comment connecting 9-11 and Iraq, Democratic Candidate makes responds to a reported: "That's a god-damned lie. It's fucking bullshit and he knows it."

After an media initial outcry caused he shows up after a few days on Meet the Press or something similar and when asked if he'll apologize for his comments he responds simply,

"I stand by my statement. But I do understand foul language is to be reserved for only truly important occasions. After Republican rule for eight years under which, Katrina, Abramoff, oil running out, and tens of thousands dead in a war started under false pretenses all occured, please tell me when cursing would be appropriate. What would it take for? Hundreds of thousands of deaths? Millions? Billions? Would it take outright nuclear war before its acceptable to curse? Politics is the dirtiest trade in existence. Corruption, bribery, scandal, war. It is a nasty business. The world lives or dies by politics. Tell me what exactly are you saving these words for? I stand by my words. And if you're going to tell me I can't use these words, that it would be inappropriate, fuck you."

Instant 15-20 point gain among young males. Keep in mind the majority of Americans don't vote. Maybe this can tap into that. People don't see the difference between the parties. Give 'em one.

The only problem is the danger of being labelled "angry" too quickly by the media before the issue of profanity can be framed beneficially. To combat that, I think someone who comes off as more snarky than angry would be best. Think more John Stewart than Denis Leary.

Thoughts?

It might even be viable in some locales. I don't like it, in general, since I tend to dislike profanity in general, outside of comedy. I am well able to project anger and disdain without resulting to profanity. And after 20 years in the Navy, I am well able to catalog someone's deficiencies (moral genetic, and mental)without using any swear words.... :)

A tip of the hat to you sir. A clean mouthed sailor is a rare thing. j/k

I think comedy would be a natural part of a campaign like this. Comedy after all is the natural enemy of BS. Nothing kills an ambitious little dictator faster than laughter. I understand your aversion to swear words, and that being able to express oneself otherwise is a virtue. But there is something raw, emotional, and inherently honest about a man swearing. You have no doubt as to what he thinks. Besides, these words exist for a reason, and if this administration hasn't justified the use of at least a few curse words in their direction, I don't what will.

The strategy that unhands them best is to tell the truth. There is no need
for vulger in that equation. Everyone, especially the football classes love
someone with the balls to stand up to abuse and incompetence. Heck, nobody
likes an incompetent football team, and swearing at them doesn't help a lick.

can be a powerful motivator, but you may not get the response you are hoping for. Especially if it requires getting people to vote for your candidate.

On the one hand we need to bash the repugs but on the other we need a positive message for how to create a better future for everyone. I'm sick of people hating each other and what you are proposing tends to generate more hate.

This is how we screw ourselves every time. Democratic campaigns go all policy and everyone goes to sleep and our voting base goes home. There is only one campaign issue: criminal incompetence, corruption, and cronyism. All elections, until further notice, need to be about kicking the crooks out of government.

But if the DEMS and the rest of us don't come up with a real plan for how to fix this mess, then winning elections will be the lest of our worries.

If you have any doubt to the effectiveness of hate as a political weapon just look at the success of the current administration in the political arena.

I'm not saying this is the high road. I'm not altogether certain we can afford to take the high road.

Besides, who says profanity has to be just hateful? I think it can be downright comedic if done right. What decent comic doesn't use profanity? Vulgar comedy is the natural enemy of vulgar corruption and vulgar incompetence.

With a slightly humorous spin, that is precisely the approach I'm looking for.

The Rude Pundit as campaign manager/speech writer?

If John Kerry had used the word "bullshit" at some point when the Swiftboaters were trying to discredit him, I think that would've done more to put the issue to rest than anything else he did do. I don't think candidates should use it all the time, but in cases where it's apt, sometimes you just gotta call BS where you see it.

Especially considering vulgar responses, especially off the cuff ones, are considered more honest than thoughtful speeches.

Dick with his "Go Fuck Yourself"
and
Mary with her "son of a bitch" to Kerry

Along with "More Oversight, Less Rove shite"