Thinking Points: Communicating Our American Values and Vision

A guide for progressives that “explain[s] how language and moral framing equals power in politics” (John Podesta, Founder, Center for American Progress).

George Lakoff's Don't Think of an Elephant! delievered a pathbreaking account of the conservative monopoly on effective framing that touched off a national discussion about political language. His work on progressive values and ideas gave rise to a chorus of pleas for more:

• What is the progressive vision of America
• Why progressive values are America's values
• How frames are necessary to serve the truth
• Why sloganeering alone doesn't work
• How progressives trap themselves and how they can escape those traps
• How political arguments and narratives can be put together to counter the Right
• And more

Thinking Points satisfies that call with a bold, concise, and systematic explanation of how conservatives think and use language—and how progressives can fight back. Lakoff and the Rockridge Institute offer a new understanding of the so-called political center and explain why the most effective way to appeal to those who identify themselves as moderates or conservatives is to remain true to progressive values.

This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to participate in shaping an America that serves the common good.

“Thinking Points is a must read for anyone who doesn't want speaking out to become a dying art.” —Arianna Huffington