tactics

The folks from The Seminal had the bright idea to attend the Sept. 15th anti-war protests in DC while wearing suits. Dressed for success, these kids made an impression:

We were four strong. But the response that we got, especially from other protesters, was incredible. First, no one criticized us or made any negative comments. Though many were skeptical, skepticism quickly turned to curiosity or approval after we said the words “professionalism” and “seriousness,” and many people walked away from us only to stop a few feet away, deeply absorbed as they read our pamplets. Second, people took us seriously. People complimented us on our ideas, made way when we walked by, and spoke to us more politely than they would have had we been dressed in casual clothing. Third, we could feel ourselves challenging stereotypes. The counter-protesters on the side of the streets looked at us strangely; one woman whose sign read “hippies smell” was clearly perplexed. Fourth, our appearance sparked several interesting conversations with strangers, drawing out larger issues of organization and discipline at protests.

Our conception of protest stems primarily from the anti-war student marches of the 60s and 70s - as does the aesthetic of protesters today (when they aren't taking cues from the Anarchist or Socialist movements). But it wasn't always this way, and dressing in professional attire when protesting isn't a new idea. During the civil rights era, protesters frequently wore their Sunday clothes. MLK was a great speaker, but he and the others who orchestrated some of the major events of the civil rights era were also brilliant tacticians and strategists. They knew that appearances mattered and worked to make sure that those who participated in the marches and sit-ins put forth the best image possible.

About four years ago, I wrote that protest had become an impotent act - a broken tool in the toolbox of the antiwar movement. In part, that was because of how easily we were marginalized by the media and those who supported the war. We didn't look like the mainstream, so we - and by default our position - must have been fringe.

If protest is ever going to be a viable once again as a tactic for a national anti-war movement, we need to shake up that dynamic. The Billionaires did this in 2004 with their satirical counter-protests. Their street theater garnered national media attention, including a profile in New York Times Magazine - better than the anti-war movement did during the run up to the Iraq war. Cindy Sheehan did it a few years later with her vigil outside of Bush's Crawford Ranch. Interestingly, as soon as Sheehan started to act more like a stereotypical protester (getting arrested all over the country, etc.), she immediately lost all effectiveness as a voice that could penetrate the consciousness of "moderate" Americans.

Not every protester needs to wear a suit (though it wouldn't hurt if they did), but shaking up that dynamic and doing something that rattles people's expectations should be mandatory (note: papier mache puppets don't count). Otherwise anti-war protests will never move past ranting, unserious, dirty hippie status or have a significant impact on public opinion and policy.

• Check out this site by a 16 (17?) year old who is creating a documentary about young voters. His site even has some good podcasts. I'm 18 in 08.
• Barack Obama is holding "Camp Obamas" to train supporters in the basics of canvassing, phone banking, etc. So far 1,500 supporters have signed up, a majority of which are young voters.
• The Political Polling Blog offers yet another roundup of the Harvard IOP report. It's got some good tactical advice for local campaigns on reaching young voters.
• The Free Culture movement is having a conference at Harvard this week. If you're in Boston, you should definitely check it out. Registration is free.

In light of all the criticism on this site, I wanted to post something that looked at solutions. Or more specifically, at a relatively new piece of infrastructure that seems to be working.

Exhibit A that money is being invested in programs that are expanding progressive capacity is Represent - Penn State's non-partisan voter registration/GOTV organization. Now, I know what many are probably thinking - non-partisan = not effective. But this groups seems to be non-partisan the way that the Center for American Progress is non-partisan.

The group was founded through the Young People For Fellowship program, a majority of its leadership is progressive or legitimately non-partisan, and the Penn State College Republicans refuse to participate in the program.

An examination of their programming shows some solid goals, creative tactics, and even more progressive ties.

Represent will also be hosting a variety of events throughout the fall that is meant to increase student awareness of the upcoming election.

"We are looking to do a 'rock the vote' charity event where a bunch of different bands will play," Cross said.

Represent will also be hosting the Pennsylvania Political Hip-Hop Convention in October that will be open to all Penn State students, Cross said.

. . .

Represent also works closely with the United States Student Association and the Pittsburgh League of Young Voters.

So you have a program funded by Young People For, giving money to College Democrats at Penn State, being used to do culturally-based GOTV work on campus, and coordinate with PA subsidiaries of the National Hip Hop Political Convention and the League of Young Voters.

There's a long way to go, and we'll have to see how successfully they GOTV, as well as what emerges from their coordination. One thing I'd like to see is a Campus Progress publication spring up at Penn State. But this is what the beginning of the young VLWC looks like.

I hear from Democrats.com (the "Students and Young People" section), that those nasty College Republicans are at it again.

Morgan Wilkins, the intern hired by the Republican National Committee to win the hearts and minds of Michigan 20-somethings, is planning events that some may find odd. To others, they may be offensive.

One such idea is "Catch an Illegal Immigrant Day," in which a volunteer would play the part of an illegal immigrant and hide somewhere on campus while others try to find him. The winner would receive a prize.

Her other ideas include an event called "Fun with Guns," in which young Republicans would use a BB gun or paintball gun to shoot cardboard cut-outs of Democratic leaders such as Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)

The Democratic Response: Governor Dean sends a letter to Ken Mehlman, chairmain of the RNC, and (This is the really clever/inspiring part!) the letter is delivered by a bonified Young Person.

Strong. No. Strong to Very-Strong, as Dan would say.

Turning off the sarcasm, I'll just say that this is why we lose out to Republicans on college campuses. Republican programs - while we may find them at times racist or repugnant - are FUN. They exhibit a strong sense of humor and are in touch with the vibe of campus life. Our programs, by contrast, reveal college Dems to be no more than a collection of young Dukakis and Daschle's-in-training.

Hip to be square is not a solid strategy for beating Republicans on campus.

For bonus points, can you tell me what is wrong with this picture I pulled off the Democrats.com website? (answer after the jump)

Three stories about Millenials in politics, and one piece of advice in this week's news roundup.

• Chris Bowers at MyDD is promoting a diary by his former student David Slavick, who is running to be the Democratic State Representative for Pennsylvania's rural 109th district.

  The Push for Progress in Central PA: The Front Lines of '08

  Despite the fact that our campaign fund is dwarfed by the $134,685 raised by incumbent Millard in 2004, we have actually raised more money from local donors than he has in his entire career. This fact is a great indicator of our chances in this race, given that many people in Columbia County have undergone great hardship this year and do not have much disposable income, giving greater symbolic weight to their contributions.

  With less than 80 days, our hard in this campaign work is paying off. The grassroots has invigorated our local party and we are ready for the fight in 2008. We are bringing our message of hope, vision, and progress to all parts of the county, despite the recent national emergency level flooding. We have active volunteers in every precinct in Columbia County. Our county party has made great strides in recent months, nearly doubling the ranks of Democratic committee people, and each of the new committee members embrace a progressive vision for America. Our vision for a better Pennsylvania is spreading like a prairie fire.

  David is a 27 year-old alumnus of Pittsburgh Law - which makes him a "cusp" millenial (like those of us that run this site).

• Campus Progress is running a story this week about college students who graduate and run for office in their university towns. The piece mostly focuses on 20-somethings running for legislative and city council positions, but also includes an aside about students and graduates running for municipal positions such as elections judges. Almost two dozen such graduates ran in Philadelphia municipal elections last year, according to The Daily Pennsylvanian (UPenn's student paper).
  

  Nineteen Penn students are now elected Philadelphia officials, according to initial figures from Tuesday's municipal elections.

  As a result, they will be in charge of making sure elections run smoothly in the coming years.

  Of these students, six Democrats and one Republican will serve as judges of elections.

  Equally important - student involvement in the elections, as well as polling locations within walking distance of campus, all improved voter turnout for an off year among Philly students.

After the jump - bad experiences among the college dems, and friendly advice for campaigning in hostile territory