Having talked about health care 1st, #climatechange 2nd (in the exact order they appear in polling about top Dem concerns), @BarackObama then frames climate action as a chance to "make our economy a clean energy innovator."

I fear this framing will be a messaging disaster.

https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1250088269502709762

Let me first say that I'm sure Obama has some of the most skilled and experienced pollsters and strategists in the business.

I'm sure the rhetoric of "innovation" has polled really well among swing voters, that narrow group to which presidential campaigning is pitched.

2/n

But that is surely why, as @drvox has already outlined, the GOP has long since adopted the message that all we need to solve climate change is "more innovation."

https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2019/1/4/18166400/republicans-climate-change-innovation-policy

3/n

Needless to say the GOP promise to encourage innovation is lie enabling it to

a) kick action back to a market that will never act in time

b) ignore the fact that public support and deployment of new tech is a HUGE driver of innovation

c) hide its support 4 polluters.

4/n

For @BarackObama and @JoeBiden and @TheDemocrats to adopt the rhetoric of climate action as "innovation" is for them to legitimate and AMPLIFY Repub propaganda on climate.

We must not do that.

5/n

Another way to think of this: in advertising as in politics, you never want to play defense. You never want to fight on your opponent's territory.

You always want to attack first and define the terms of the debate.

"Innovation" is already taken.

6/n

Ok, then, if Democrats should think twice about centering "innovation" in their climate messaging, what should they do instead?

Well, think about where we are right now.

Are we in an extended period of stagflation and stasis, or are we in a once-in-a-lifetime crisis?

7/n

We are in a crisis. People are struggling and scared.

Climate action needs to be sold as what can directly address those two material and emotional conditions.

1) It will put people to work and rebuild the economy.

2) It will make us and our children safer.

3)...

8/n

3) Climate action will make America the producer of the energy system of the future. By putting climate action at the center of our investment into economic recovery, we can restore our standing in the world and once lead rather than follow.

9/n

By putting the transformation of our energy system at the center of our recovery, we can protect our families and create real prosperity that will lift us out of this nightmare and make the American dream real for the 21st century.

10/n

Or something to that effect. Just, please, @JoeBiden and @TheDemocrats: don't make climate action about innovation. You will help the GOP and make it harder to pass effective policy in time. That is all.

/fin