And the results show it. Liberals think marketing is beneath them, and “yucky” unless it’s wrapped in a doctoral thesis. They’ve forgotten how to talk to civilians (that is to say, non-wonks) and it’s beneath them to learn. You know what I noticed about Lakoff’s book? He identifies the problem, but the replacement slogans he comes up with simply suck.

On Feb. 27, Reid and Pelosi appeared before the Democratic Governors Association. At one point in the conversation, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, noting that the two leaders had talked about a variety of themes and ideas, asked for help. Could they reduce the message to just two or three core ideas that governors could echo in the states?

According to multiple accounts from those in the room, Reid said they had narrowed the list to six and proceeded to talk about them. Pelosi then offered her six — not all the same as Reid’s. Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski said later: “One of the other governors said ‘What do you think?’ and I said ‘You know what I think? I don’t think we have a message.’ ”

Others, including Sen. Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.) and Rep. Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) — who head the Senate and House campaign efforts — believe the November election will turn mainly on how voters view Republicans. Schumer is leading the Democratic attack on the port deal, excoriating the administration for jeopardizing national security — a realm in which Republicans have held the advantage with voters.

He and Emanuel have sought to delay the agenda’s release to allow Democratic attacks to hold the stage with minimum distraction. “When you’re in the opposition, you both propose and oppose,” Emanuel said. “But fundamentally, this is going to be a referendum on [Republican] stewardship.”

Well, no it isn’t. Not really. Because human nature is such that we need a reason to let go of really bad choices, so we’re not as crushed by the realization that we Really Fucked Up. The agenda is protective coloring, so to speak.

“Together, We Can Do Better”? Gimme a break.

UPDATE: Over at Booman Tribune, Howieinseattle has a different perspective worth noting.