Messaging to the Lowest Common Denominator: How Democrats Can Focus on Economic Issues Using The Art of War, Foundations of Geopolitics, and Strategic Insights

By Michael Kelman Portney

For many Americans, political affiliation and support come down to one key factor: economic stability. Recognizing that people’s wallets are a universal concern, the Democratic Party has an opportunity to unify its message around economic empowerment. By focusing on financial well-being, cost-of-living issues, and job security, Democrats can appeal to a broad base, using economic concerns as the lowest common denominator for building a powerful, cohesive platform. Drawing insights from The Art of War by Sun Tzu and Foundations of Geopolitics by Alexander Dugin, along with practical messaging strategies, Democrats can craft a campaign that centers on economic issues, addresses public frustrations, and resonates across demographics.

This paper explores how Democrats can strategically frame their message around economic concerns, using tactics from The Art of War to outmaneuver opponents and leveraging cultural influence as suggested in Foundations of Geopolitics to create a compelling narrative focused on Americans’ financial well-being.

1. Understanding Economic Concerns as the “Political Terrain”

A key principle of The Art of War is understanding the terrain before engaging. In political terms, this means recognizing that economic concerns—the state of people’s wallets—are a defining feature of the American political landscape. While social issues are important, most voters prioritize their financial security and stability. By treating the economic terrain as central to their campaign, Democrats can position themselves as the party most attuned to everyday financial challenges.

A. Knowing the Terrain of Economic Struggles

Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of knowing the “terrain” intimately before taking action. For Democrats, this means understanding how inflation, healthcare costs, wage stagnation, and housing affordability affect voters in various regions and demographics. Tailoring economic messaging to reflect the realities people face will help Democrats gain credibility and show voters that they are in touch with their needs.

• Mapping Economic Pain Points by Region: In areas where manufacturing or energy jobs are prominent, Democrats might focus on job security and fair wages. In urban centers with high living costs, the emphasis could shift to affordable housing and healthcare.

• Highlighting Localized Solutions: By acknowledging the specific economic concerns of each community, Democrats can connect on a personal level. In high-cost areas, they might emphasize rent control, while in rural regions, they could discuss agricultural and small business support.

B. Simplifying the Message with Clear Economic Promises

Sun Tzu advises clarity and simplicity in communications, ensuring that commands are understood by all. Democrats can simplify their messaging by focusing on economic promises that are easy to understand and impactful. Promises to lower costs, increase wages, or reduce taxes for the middle and working class should be presented in straightforward, relatable terms.

• Making Direct Financial Promises: Statements like “Putting $500 More in Your Pocket Every Month” or “Cutting Your Healthcare Costs in Half” provide tangible, measurable benefits that resonate directly with voters’ wallets.

• Avoiding Policy Jargon: Rather than complex discussions of “tax credits” or “subsidies,” Democrats can translate policies into everyday language that emphasizes how these initiatives will save voters money.

2. Influencing Public Opinion through Economic Ideology: Insights from Foundations of Geopolitics

In Foundations of Geopolitics, Dugin emphasizes using ideological influence to shape public perception. For Democrats, this means framing economic issues as a moral imperative, positioning the party as the protector of working Americans’ financial interests. By presenting a vision of economic justice and fairness, Democrats can create an emotional appeal that goes beyond policy specifics.

A. Framing Economic Policy as a Moral and Patriotic Duty

Dugin argues that ideology and cultural identity are powerful tools for unifying and mobilizing populations. Democrats could adopt a similar approach by framing economic fairness as an American ideal, contrasting their vision with the corporate-dominated economy that often puts profits above people.

• Positioning Economic Justice as Patriotic: By emphasizing that fair wages, affordable healthcare, and reduced costs of living are values central to American well-being, Democrats can create a message that appeals to a broad spectrum of voters.

• Creating a Narrative of Economic Empowerment: Democrats could portray themselves as champions of the working class, framing policies like tax relief for middle-income earners, affordable healthcare, and accessible education as essential to restoring American dignity and opportunity.

B. Building Alliances with Worker and Community Organizations

Dugin emphasizes the importance of forming alliances to strengthen influence. For Democrats, this means collaborating with unions, community organizations, and advocacy groups that represent the economic interests of Americans. By partnering with groups that resonate at the grassroots level, Democrats can reinforce their image as allies of working Americans.

• Working with Unions and Worker Advocacy Groups: Partnering with unions and worker-focused organizations will reinforce Democrats’ commitment to improving workers’ rights, wages, and job security.

• Engaging with Community Centers and Local Leaders: Forming alliances with community organizations can help Democrats reach low-income and working-class voters, communicating their economic message directly to people who need it most.

3. Using Psychological Strategy to Undermine Opponents’ Economic Credibility

Both The Art of War and Foundations of Geopolitics discuss the importance of psychological tactics in undermining opponents. In this context, Democrats could focus on diminishing the perceived economic credibility of their opponents, exposing their policies as beneficial to corporations and the wealthy rather than to ordinary Americans.

A. Contrasting Democrats’ Economic Vision with Republican Policies

Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of undermining an opponent’s strengths. Democrats could highlight how Republican policies often favor the wealthy or large corporations, contrasting this with a Democratic vision that prioritizes the financial security of working families.

• Exposing Corporate Ties and Wealth-Friendly Policies: By pointing to specific instances where Republican policies benefit corporations and the wealthy—such as corporate tax breaks or opposition to minimum wage increases—Democrats can cast their opponents as defenders of a rigged economic system.

• Highlighting Real-Life Impacts on Voters’ Wallets: Rather than abstract criticism, Democrats could focus on the real impacts of Republican policies on healthcare costs, wages, and job stability, creating a direct link between voting choices and personal finances.

B. Projecting Confidence in Economic Management

Sun Tzu also advises projecting confidence to inspire trust. Democrats can build a message that portrays them as capable economic managers, emphasizing their policies’ real financial benefits for everyday Americans while casting doubt on their opponents’ ability to deliver similar results.

• Emphasizing Experience and Results: Democrats could highlight successful economic policies from past Democratic administrations, such as job growth or expanded healthcare access, to create a sense of confidence in their economic vision.

• Creating a Clear Economic Message of Trust: Messaging such as “Putting People First in the Economy” or “A Fair Shot for Every American” could foster trust, presenting Democrats as a party that prioritizes everyday financial security over corporate interests.

4. Protecting Strongholds by Reinforcing Economic Messaging

Both Sun Tzu and Dugin highlight the importance of reinforcing one’s base before expanding. For Democrats, this means ensuring strong support in traditional strongholds by consistently reinforcing their economic message and addressing core financial concerns in areas where they already have support.

A. Fortifying Economic Policies in Key Democratic Regions

Sun Tzu advises building a solid foundation before moving outward. In traditional Democratic strongholds, Democrats can prioritize economic issues that matter most to the base, such as affordable housing, healthcare reform, and education access. Consistent reinforcement of these policies helps prevent erosion of support.

• Making Economic Gains Visible in Strongholds: By pointing to tangible benefits, such as increased funding for local schools or healthcare improvements, Democrats can demonstrate their economic commitments and show results in regions where their influence is strongest.

• Addressing Economic Concerns Across Demographics: While the message may be unified, Democrats can emphasize different aspects of economic policy depending on the demographics within their base—such as focusing on education affordability for younger voters and healthcare costs for older populations.

B. Expanding Economic Influence in Competitive Areas

Once Democratic strongholds are secure, Sun Tzu’s advice on resource flexibility suggests expanding into competitive regions. Democrats can focus their economic message on local issues in swing states, emphasizing job creation, affordable healthcare, and fair wages to gain support in areas where economic issues resonate most.

• Customizing Economic Issues by Community: Democrats could adapt their economic message to highlight the specific challenges facing each community, such as supporting small businesses in rural areas or advocating for affordable housing in urban areas.

• Keeping Resources Flexible Based on Economic Data: By monitoring economic polling and trends, Democrats can shift resources as needed, ensuring that their economic message is effective and responsive to changes in the political and economic landscape.

Conclusion: Making Economic Empowerment the Core of the Democratic Message

Using economic issues as a unifying, lowest-common-denominator message provides Democrats with a powerful way to connect with voters across regions and demographics. Drawing on The Art of War’s principles of understanding the “terrain” and using psychological tactics, Democrats can craft a message that highlights their commitment to financial stability and fair economic policy. Insights from Foundations of Geopolitics also reinforce the importance of building alliances and creating ideological appeal, portraying economic justice and empowerment as central American values.

By focusing on economic empowerment, Democrats can unify their base, counteract their opponents’ economic messaging, and resonate with a broad swath of voters who prioritize financial security. This approach positions the Democratic Party as the champion of the people’s wallets, offering a cohesive, relatable message that appeals to the financial concerns of all Americans.