Winning the National Security Debate: Lessons From a New Poll

SUMMARY

A memo on national security providing insights from a new national poll and providing a four-step plan for progressives to win on national security.

A new poll by the Benenson Strategy Group shows clear that progressives can alter the old equation and win on national security, but only if they take a new approach. This memo incorporates those findings into our four-step plan: 1. Take national security head-on – do not duck it or pivot to domestic issues. 2. Communicate one objective: to push the President to change course and fight terrorism more effectively. 3. Define progressives as “tough and smart” on national security – they recognize the grave threats America faces and are both tough enough to protect the country and smart enough to do so effectively. 4. Define conservatives as “satisfied” with the President’s strategy on terrorism and Iraq – note that they talk tough, but they haven’t been smart, and we need new leadership that will push the President to change course.

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