There are books that that you read, and then there are books that feel like they are reading you.
Anand Giridharadas’ new book "The Persuaders: At The Front Lines Of The Fight For Hearts, Minds, And Democracy,” is the latter. I had high expectations because his last book changed my entire perspective on income inequality and how to fix the world’s most unsolvable problems, but his latest is just as thought-provoking and packed with just as many no-nonsense solutions. He asks a controversial question: if the left has the monopoly on tolerance when it comes to its policies, why does it have the opposite reputation when it comes to its actions? How it is possible that the left can argue against incarceration while often practicing a kind of cancel culture that leaves no room for mercy? After all, the left-wing has rarely had a such an easy opponent. The other side is made up of anti-democratic lawmakers that are forcing children to have their uncle’s babies and who describe smearing poop in the walls of Congress as “legitimate political discourse.”
Democrats should be effortlessly winning. Why aren’t they?
Giridharadas offers pragmatic fixes that could help liberals grow and win elections like focussing on evangelizing rather than convincing. He makes a crucial distinction between entering a conversation trying to understand someone rather than trying to change their mind. As many of you who have tried to talk to family members of friends with different views, the other party is much more receptive when they’re being welcomed to have a new perspective rather than being chastised for not holding it already. He recommends using “the golden gate of retreat” a tactic devised by Ernesto Nieto, where you give the other person an out or a path to come to your side in a way that still makes them feel good about themselves. We all have egos. Why not use them for good?
With unparalleled access to some of the most influential leaders in the progressives movement like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza and Women’s March co-founder Linda Sarsour, he paints a hopeful picture of a future. He goes beyond the progressive platitudes that we just need to find non-engaged voters, and offers nuance and explores the valid reasons why people aren’t in love with the left and how to win their hearts. His chapter on Ocasio-Cortez is especially insightful and remarkably well-reported. The youngest woman to ever be elected in congress has been criticized by both sides, but Giridharadas’ portrayal of her strategy describes a sophisticated movement-builder both inside and outside of congress. He describes a sagacious woman who masterfully combined the “call-in” culture of President Obama with the “call-out” style of Bernie Sanders to create her own brand of “inclusive populism” that has been undeniably successful and history-defining.
As you can tell I loved this book and I have a feeling you will too. Anand agreed to spend some time with our community to talk about it with you. I hope you enjoy our conversation. His book is out today and if you want to buy it while supporting your local bookstore you can order it here.
why the left is losing