The American People will take Socialism, but they won't take the label. I certainly proved it in the case of EPIC. Running on the Socialist ticket I got 60,000 votes, and running on the slogan to 'End Poverty in California' I got 879,000. I think we simply have to recognize the fact that our enemies have succeeded in spreading the Big Lie. There is no use attacking it by a front attack, it is much better to out-flank them.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author argues that the public supports socialist policies but rejects the socialist label, suggesting strategic messaging.
- In plain terms
- People want socialist results but hate the name socialist.
- What can you take from it?
- Messaging often matters more than ideology in politics.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you change a movement's name and keep its spirit?
- How do labels affect policy?
Another view
Ignoring core principles for messaging can be dishonest.
More from Upton Sinclair
Fascism is capitalism plus murder.
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