Here's the flavor of the post, called "Science: Dems lose elections because they're too darned rational":
So let's see how Hot Air did following my little list of talking points for conservative bloggers:If only they were more emotional, like we fear-mongering man-monkeys, they might control all three branches now. I think all of us who’ve sailed the placid seas of Nutrootsistan can sympathize with that sentiment.
This is probably the third or fourth permutation of “conservatives bad, liberals good” science we’ve blogged since HA started, but this one’s special since it shares with George Lakoff’s stupid “branding” thesis the precious quality of being, in its own way, as insulting to Democrats as to Republicans. Does the left really need to have it explained to them by a scientist that emotional appeals tend to be politically effective? Don’t they have a few examples in their own scrapbook that prove the point? It’s like not being able to figure out sex without a doctor’s help.
Never debate the facts, go straight for the ad hominem attacks
There's no attempt to dispute the article on the facts (which are pretty weak considering this is 2007, and the Dems did take back the house and senate last year). Just a lot of "they must think we're stupid, which means that they're stupid if you have to explain it to them, and the whole idea is stupid because it reminds me of this other idea which I think is stupid...", etc.
Invent a funny nickname for your opponent to support step one.
"Nutrootistan"
Characterize your opponent's position using religious language to underscore their inherent dogmatism and irrationality [this is so ironic my brain is bleeding].
See above. Also, the idea that a Democrat would run a political add invoking racial profiling is characterized as, "a cardinal sin on the left."
Accuse your opponent of employing your own worst tactics (scare tactics, demagoguery, name-calling).
"Don’t they have a few examples in their own scrapbook that prove the point?" and later, "Yep, nothing but sunshine, reason, and the Athenian agora for those Democrats." The links are meant to show that yes, in fact, the Democrats are the real "fear-mongering man-monkeys."
Assert that Computer Science and Electrical Engineering are the keys to all scientific understanding (including Environmental science, Biology, etc.)
Science bashing is implied in the title as well as the implied bashing of Drew Westen and his study. Since Psychology and Neuroscience are not subsets of computer science or electrical engineering, there's no reason to take them seriously if you're a good conservative.
Complain that we tie our own hands by not lowering our standards to the level of our enemies (x doesn't care about human rights, why should we? y doesn't comply with environmental standards, why should we?)
Sure, but hey: “Effective? Let’s just say that if John Kerry had used Westen’s words to attack the Swift Boaters who impugned his war record during the 2004 presidential campaign, Bush might be clearing a lot of brush in Crawford these days.” Ends and means, baby. Imagine what the abortion ads will look like.I take that to mean, the ends always justify the means. So if Kerry had upped the ante, Bush would have as well. Thus highlighting the importance of always sinking to the level of the lowest common denominator.
Always blame others for everything that goes wrong (personal responsibility only applies to people you don't like)
Read the whole thing and ponder your exit question: In what meaningful sense is that piece different from a press release?
Update: See-Dub comments, “Meanwhile…as the picture of the pathetic polar bears on an ice floe drifts across our screen for the eight thousandth time as a newscaster reads a thinly disguised press release about global warming…”
Translation: the world would be a better place (for me) if it weren't for the left-wing media reading press releases as if they were the news!
My translation: when you are strange, people are strangers, and when you're a propagandist, everything looks like propaganda.
