Clearly, the socialists need some help with their image. New York based political consultant Eric Schmeltzer, who’s worked for Howard Dean and Jerrold Nadler, has some suggestions for how the socialists might shape up their party line.
“First and foremost, I would tell them to drop all the revolutionary language and imagery,” he says. “Their slogan is still ‘Workers of the World Unite?’ Come on, this isn’t 1920.”
Marketing consultant Zachary Thacher agrees. “They should come up with a new message,” he says. “This is a great time for them to get across the idea that socialism isn’t some horrible, evil thing.”
Just scrap the name entirely, he says. “‘Socialist party’ sounds antiquatedaMaybe if it was, like, ‘The People,’ ” he muses. “Or ‘The Peeps.’ That would make their brand communicate to a new audience.”
Instead of waving signs outside buildings, take the message online, says Schmeltzer. “Think about a media campaign to discuss all that is already socialist in our society — public schools, roads and highways, college loan programs, Medicare. Try to demystify what socialism really is, and highlight how it benefits every American right now.”
And hey, Peeps, don’t be afraid to borrow a trick or two from capitalism. “Make it a huge advertising campaign — TV ads and billboards and e-mail,” says Thacher. “Come up with the message and just go big.”