Progressives need a story
I have previously written about the importance of storytelling. It is arguably the most effective way to make a memorable and effective argument. In the January 3, 2011 edition of The Nation, Eric Alterman argues that conservatives have a story and progressives do not.
[I]f you ask most Americans what conservatives believe will fix whatever is wrong with America at any given time, they can give you a simple, coherent response: lower taxes, less government, more “freedom.” It may be wrong. It may benefit only the rich. But it is easy to understand and repeat, particularly when billions of dollars have been invested to make it appear plausible.… Liberals do not appear to address potential solutions with anything like the far right's aura of God-given self-confidence.Alterman points out that the Democrats' lack of a story lets Republicans run wild. It allows Republicans to proudly argue for “a tax 'compromise' with the president in which they are happy to assign more than 133 billion (out of a total of 347 billion) to fewer than five million Americans--the five million who are already lucky enough to be earning more than $250,000 per year.”