Words for liberals

In 1994 Newt Gingrich wrote a memo that was distributed to Republican politicians through an organization called GOPAC. This memo was titled "Language: A Key Mechanism of Control" and contained a list of "Contrasting Words" and "Optimistic Positive Governing Words" which Gingrich suggested that Republican candidates use to frame their campaign and their opponents. As I read through these lists today I realized just how appropriately these lists could be used today, not by conservatives, but by liberals. So I am republishing these lists of words and phrases, with a few minor changes, and suggesting that any liberal candidates out there start incorporating these words into their campaigns. It is time for Gingrich's Republican revolution to end.

Contrasting Words

Often we search hard for words to help us define our opponents. Sometimes we are hesitant to use contrast. Remember that creating a difference helps you. These are powerful words that can create a clear and easily understood contrast. Apply these to the opponent, their record, proposals and their party.

decay... failure (fail)... collapse(ing)... deeper... crisis... urgent(cy)... destructive... destroy... sick... pathetic... lie... liberal conservative... they/them... unionized self serving bureaucracy... "compassion" is not enough... betray... consequences... limit(s)... shallow... traitors... sensationalists...

endanger... coercion... hypocrisy... radical... threaten... devour... waste... corruption... incompetent... permissive attitudes... destructive... impose... self-serving... greed... ideological... insecure... anti-(issue): flag middle class family, child, jobs... pessimistic... excuses... intolerant...

stagnation... welfare... corrupt... selfish... insensitive... status quo... mandate(s)... taxes... spend(ing)... shame... disgrace... punish (poor...)... bizarre... cynicism... cheat... steal... abuse of power... machine... bosses... obsolete... criminal rights wealthy rights... red tape... patronage

Optimistic Positive Governing Words

Use the list below to help define your campaign and your vision of public service. These words can help give extra power to your message. In addition, these words help develop the positive side of the contrast you should create with your opponent, giving your community something to vote for!

share... change... opportunity... legacy... challenge... control... truth... moral... courage... reform... prosperity... crusade... movement... children... family... debate... compete... active(ly)... we/us/our... candid(ly)... humane... pristine... provide...

liberty... commitment... principle(d)... unique... duty... precious... premise... care(ing)... tough... listen... learn... help... lead... vision... success... empower(ment)... citizen... activist... mobilize... conflict... light... dream... freedom...

peace... rights... pioneer... proud/pride... building... preserve... pro-(issue): flag, children, environment... reform... workfare corporate workfare... eliminate good-time in prison citizenship by proxy... strength... choice/choose... fair... protect... confident... incentive... hard work... initiative... common sense... passionate

Liberals don't need to turn these words against conservatives, we need to show that conservatives have turned against these words. Liberals can use these words more effectively against conservatives than conservatives could ever have used them against liberals. When liberals use these words there is truth behind them, sooner or later truth will win, lets make it sooner rather than later.