When speaking to undecideds, do not underestimate the appeal of GRIDLOCK.

[MallRat]

Just got done talking to a co-worker. He grew up in heavy, heavy red-state America, but his politics are pretty hard to nail down. He's not happy with Bush, but he's absolutely opposed to anything that even smells remotely liberal.

After going at it with him for 15 minutes about Iraq, war on terror, oil prices, taxes and deficits, healthcare, etc., I whipped out the one argument I hadn't used yet:

"America is better off when the White House and Congress are under the control of different parties."

With those words, ladies and gentlemen, I converted him to Kerry. Suddenly, he was able to take off the blinders and realize that this election is about far more than Bush and Kerry- it's about checks and balances and accountability within our government.

For some people, gridlock is very appealing. As much as my co-worker's beliefs don't mesh with the Democratic platform, all of that is trumped by the realization that he doesn't want Bush to have a rubber stamp anymore.

If you know of any undecideds who are reluctant to vote for Kerry, I recommend this line of reasoning.

However, I would be careful if you have any close Senate or House races in your state/district- you might inadvertently encourage your friends to vote GOP in the congressional races! Think before you use this tactic.

-MR

[kanrok]

1. I also throw in the old saw:

that the country's economy does the best, historically, with a dem in the Whitehouse and a closely held repub Congress. See. e.g., Clinton. We don't want one party in charge of everything (wink-wink). It leads to bad laws and bad policy. See, e.g. Bush. Works pretty well, except on the Bush kool-aid drinkers. But even there, there is a glimmer of light behind those dead eyes. Perhaps some thinking is actually occurring.

[tedoll78]

2. I love that argument.

"If you're worried about Kerry being too liberal, don't be.. the GOP-controlled House by itself can put a check on any legislation that passes."

[CityHall]

3. kick

should be seen by more people