‘Run Liz Run’: Stuck in the Age of Folk

 

Democrats know how to reach voters. I’m not talking about using better data or GOTV techniques – I mean how to reach people emotionally. That’s exactly the point of the new video – “Run Liz Run” – promoting Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Set to a catchy folk-song it’s a portrait of enthusiastic supporters carrying signs and cheering for the Senator as she gives a passionate speech at the progressive Netroots Nation conference. It makes you feel hopeful, excited about the prospects of seeing a woman in the White House, and paints politics as accessible.

Despite the video’s positive vibe, however, it’s clear supporters of Liz Warren view life in America as inherently unfair. “Run Liz Run” calls for a “leader who won’t stand for all the Wall Street bull—-;” stresses that “people think the system is rigged because it is,” and reminds us that “nobody got rich on their own, not nobody.” The video skillfully pits Americans against one another – a technique Warren has already perfected, by using the word “fighting” with great frequency – without ever making the viewer feel angry.

Of course, “Run Liz Run” conforms to the tradition of folk songs. It’s speaking to the “oppressed” – workers, minorities, women – with a message that a president Warren can help us overcome our social and economic hardship. And it’s the discordant effect that makes folk songs like “Run Liz Run” powerful. Bob Dylan’s comforting voice asking how many times must the cannon balls fly/ Before they’re forever banned? Or Marlo Thomas singing Take my hand, come with me, where the children are free in the eponymous song from the playful children’s album Free To Be You and Me. Folk songs are meant to resonate with everyday Americans, and Warren’s agenda is meant to address their adversity.

It’s not surprising Warren supporters are using this tried and true technique, as little has changed in progressive politics over the half-century since the 1960s folk resurgence of Dylan, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell. Instead of evolving and improving, the disheartening message of inequality and victimhood remains the mainstay for Democrats like Warren – and especially for liberal women’s groups who will actively support her and her big-government agenda.

This is not to suggest we don’t have challenges in America today, or that there isn’t a need to strengthen our economy, build stronger communities, and streamline our government. There has always been and always will be a need to improve the American experiment. But lost in the folksy style of “Run Liz Run” is how Warren’s feel-good policies of raising the minimum wage, passing the Paycheck Fairness Act, advocating for government-run schools (and naturally limiting choice and freedom in education), forcing resources into green-only energy solutions, and pushing for “free” benefits for women in ObamaCare will actually help improve the lives of more Americans.

Even with the best song, perpetuating the narrative that women are a victim class, or that workers are oppressed by corporations, doesn’t strengthen society. It’s simply a tool used to encourage even greater dependence on the state, and to give government even more control over our lives.

We have real challenges in this country that require a conversation and perhaps even a “revolution” of sorts. But instead of turning failed progressive policies into a soundtrack, we need Americans to rise up against government largesse and advance policies that improve the country while staying true to our founding ideals of liberty and individualism.

Sabrina L. Schaeffer is executive director of the Independent Women’s Forum and a contributor to the forthcoming IWF book, “Lean Together: An Agenda for Greater Economic Security, Stronger Communities, and Smarter Government.”

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  1. user_11047 Inactive
    user_11047
    @barbaralydick

    Wonderful piece, Sabrina.

    You and many in the Ricochet community have identified the problems conservatives face for the next election and then in 2016.  We have them down pat for the most part.  What we don’t have are the answers, i.e., a path forward that will effectively capture the hearts and minds of those who don’t know the meaning of freedom and individualism.  Perhaps it’s too late for some, but I pray not for many more.

    • #1
  2. Xennady Member
    Xennady
    @

    Elizabeth Warren is a shameless liar.

    She lied shamelessly about her ancestry, because it would help her career and her pocketbook.

    She was found out, then continued to lie about it in a shameless manner, making up new lies to explain away the old.

    Thus, I have no doubt that she is lying about whatever she is claiming now, because that’s just what she does.

    It’s what they all do. It’s the hallmark of progressives, from presidents such as Bill Clinton and Barry Obama, to newly appointed senators such as John Walsh, and all the way down to the lowliest progressive dogcatcher in any small town in any state of the Union.

    It should surprise no one that Liz is being fundamentally deceitful in her efforts to sell her agenda to the public- just like it should have surprised no one that Barry Obama was fundamentally deceitful in selling Obamacare.

    Unless and until conservatives make an issue out the endless, relentless, vile, thieving deceit by progs we will continue to lose to them- because all they have to do is make up a catchy jingle.

    Which is enough to deceive too many people.

    • #2
  3. Sabrina Schaeffer Member
    Sabrina Schaeffer
    @SabrinaSchaeffer

    barbara lydick:

    Wonderful piece, Sabrina.

    You and many in the Ricochet community have identified the problems conservatives face for the next election and then in 2016. We have them down pat for the most part. What we don’t have are the answers, i.e., a path forward that will effectively capture the hearts and minds of those who don’t know the meaning of freedom and individualism. Perhaps it’s too late for some, but I pray not for many more.

    Thanks for reading. I hope you’ll keep your eye out for IWF’s new book “Lean Together,” which is a positive agenda for women and their families. 12 chapters, all written by women. Real solutions for a path forward on issues like childcare, early childhood education, the workplace, healthcare, food policy, etc. Check it out here: http://iwf.org/blog/2794414/COMING-THIS-SEPTEMBER:-Lean-Together:-An-Agenda-for-Smarter-Government,-Stronger-Communities,-And-More-Opportunity-for-Women

    • #3
  4. user_11047 Inactive
    user_11047
    @barbaralydick

    Sabrina Schaeffer: I hope you’ll keep your eye out for IWF’s new book “Lean Together,” which is a positive agenda for women and their families.

     I will, and will take notes.

    • #4
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