whyroots

The progressive movement should change in emphasis only.  Let’s find and emphasize issues where the two movements agree, like social justice and environmental protection. With issues where there is a traditional disagreement, like abortion, let's emphasize the common ground that exists. Instead of emphasizing a woman's right to choose, we should emphasize the common goal of preventing unwanted pregnancies, for example. Avoiding ideological arguments and replacing them with pragmatic ones will more successfully court social conservative voters and more effectively make the progressive case.

This strategy has important electoral implications. In electoral contests broadening your appeal seems like a logical strategy to me. Remember, President Bush's first victory came on the back of campaign run on compassionate conservatism. If progressives can present themselves as candidates who social conservative voters are willing to lose too (people who will fight to reduce the number of abortions for example) then progressives will have a much easier time winning.

-- Ottavio Siani

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