It looks like the anti-government sentiment that swept through the states is occurring in Ontario (http://netnewsledger.com/?p=4153, http://pollingreport.ca/index.php?catID=3) with the Liberals losing support to the Conservatives.
The conservatives, both provincially and federally do two things incredibly well: Build there narrative and engage 'average' people in the process. Progressive politicians appear to be behind the 8 ball in both these areas, and it's costing them elections. Right now the Conservative party is branded as the party who will protect your tax dollar from the evil liberals/ndps, even though their track record doesn't particularly back this up! What's worse is I have no idea what the Liberals, NDP and even the Green's stand for. Left, Centre-Left and Progressive leaders need to start being able to describe what they stand for, what their vision is and how they will stand up for 'us' in a way that connects with us and lets us feel that they will protect our jobs, human rights, and find areas that we can inspire or be global leaders.
The power of a compelling narrative is unparalleled in politics and leadership. Finding succinct ways to describe a leader's journey, who they are and the values they operate from is the best way to connect with people, giving voters some part of themselves that they can connect with in a politician. Examples of great narratives include Obama being a community organizer, Sarah Palin being a protective mama bear, George Bush being a guy you would have a beer with, Rob Ford protecting your money, etc. I don't know what the narrative is for Premiere McGuinty, May, Layton, Iggy and even Mike Schreiner.
I think building a narrative may be happening in Alberta, with the team that helped elect Mayor Nenshi and the group that is starting to build the Alberta Party. I wish their methods and process was being duplicated in more places.
Your post reminds of the book "Don't Think of An Elephant" by George Lakoff. He contends that the progressives spend their time defending their position, whereas the conservatives defines their position, or in other words, frames the debate. He says that until progressive start doing that, conservatives will win more people over. what you are basically saying as well it appears to me.
ReplyDeletecool blog dude. I agree with you that narratives may be lacking in Canadian politics, but i don't think that is a bad thing. I cannot stand the fictional narratives created by politicians, both in Canada and in the US. Let politicians speak with their actions, not with their personas built from bricks of public opinion.
ReplyDeleteHey Ben,
ReplyDeleteSorry, I missed your comment in the midst of the elxn. I'm a big believer of letting actions speak!