Interesting story about how an Emory psychologist is taking progressive ideas and making it more palatable to the center, by softening and massaging language. For instance, using “the word ‘leadership’ in place of ‘government’ and . . . the middle class instead of the poor.”

Here are more examples regarding controversial topics like abortion and immigration:

Instead of using euphemisms like “pro-choice” and “reproductive health,” his handbook suggests, liberal candidates might insist that it is un-American for the government to tell men and women when to start a family or what religious beliefs to follow, arguments that test well in focus groups with conservatives and independents. On illegal immigration, he recommends, candidates who have said their plan would “allow” immigrants to become citizens should instead say they will “require” it.

Will it work? We’ll find out on Tuesday.

topics: democrat, liberal