There are certain things that strict fathers cannot be: A Loser, Corrupt, and especially not a Betrayer of Trust.–George Lakoff
Democrats often help Tom Reed win election. Reed’s success depends on his claim to “be one of us.” This works well with moderates and conservatives:
- Moderates like his claim that he cares about their needs and promises jobs.
- Conservatives like his “strict father” image.
Both groups might turn against Tom if they recognize that he is insincere. However, some things we do are counter-productive.
- Uncivil language boosts Tom Reed’s image as the moral candidate.
- Raucous demonstrations boost Tom’s claim that he is the moderate, responsible candidate.
- It’s about image not facts–facts can be disarmed with alternative facts.
- Attacks by liberals on conservative’s beliefs strengthen conservatives support for Tom. A positive message serves the cause better.
Voters politically to the right and left of Tom Reed don’t want to be fooled. To counter Tom’s popularity, we need to show that he is insincere, that his claim that he cares about his constituents is false, that he is not much like us whatever our political views.
A Minority President: Why the Polls Failed, And What the Majority Can Do
New NY 23rd 
Two things: going out and collecting signatures to get candidates on the ballot for this fall, half the people registered as Democrats that I spoke with identify themselves as Republicans. Secondly, an ad showing Tom’s donors, and the votes he has made in their interests might go a long way.
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Not so sure…your solution doesn’t seem to be working on Trump supporters. A Democrat has got to prove they are going to put more money in their constituents pockets. Healthcare should be presented this way, tax reform and job creation too. Support the 2nd amendment and stay vague on gun control. Run against the dysfunction. Don’t label yourself a liberal. Just a democrat. Have charisma and start early.
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Why would people registered as Democrats claim to be Republicans? Was it an excuse for not signing the petition?
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Consider Tom’s claim that he listens to all, but ignores liberal’s views. While infuriating to some, it probably plays well in rural NY-23. Tom makes the point that he is reasonable, but is unswayed in support of moderate American values.
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They are fiscally conservative. They are JFK Democrats, not socialists, Progressive Liberals or communists which is where much of the “new” Democrat Party has headed in the recent election cycles. Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Debbie Wasserman Shultz, Hank Johnson, Maxine Waters & Sheila Jackson Lee to name a few of the Progressive Liberal career politicians who scare people away from the “new” Democrat Party. (not Democratic Party as most people incorrectly label it)
These conservative Democrats are hoping the party will someday return to it’s roots of being fiscally conservative.
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That fiscally conservative Democrats would tell the poll taker they are Republicans makes no sense at all, especially since the poll taker knows better.
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I just saw this column.
I agree with all of your points. Uncivility works against us. and for him.
we need to show that he is insincere
What legislation has he actually sponsored and passed in his 8 years in office?
Is he a true conservative? Voting for the AHCA would seem to say NOT. What other conservaive deficiencies does he have?
that his claim that he cares about his constituents is false
absolutely
that he is not much like us whatever our political views.
How many of us have a family business that is a collection agency.
Ultimately, we need to show that he cares for no one but himself.
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Sorry, was away on vacation. They were usually married to a Republican, and apparently their views have been influenced by their partners, the news networks they watch, the local “newspaper,” and their circle of friends. They just don’t go the extra mile and change party registrations.
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When all of the very loud & vocal progressive liberals show up at Congressman Reed’s Townhall meetings they are creating an environment that makes it easy for Tom Reed to raise campaign donations.
The more they protest teh more money he raises!
Tom Reed just shows those videos to his campaign fund donors and the money rolls in.
Keep it up and he will have an insurmountable war-chest that no one will be able to compete with.
And you have to find some humor in Nancy Pelosi being chased away from her own Press conference by “dreamers?!?!” who are illegal aliens over the DACA situation. I guess these protestors don’t mind biting the hand that feeds them! The Republicans may start funding these protestors to go after Pelosi and Schumer!
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