Republicans understand that rationality doesn’t work. They understand that people actually think in terms of frames and metaphors and images and emotions. So they’re great at marketing their ideas, even when they're not based on facts.

Through constant repetition, they have falsely framed the Republican party as superior on economic matters -- despite decades of facts proving otherwise.

They have framed this false idea millions of brains.

And when the facts don't fit the frame, they bounce right off.

Until Democrats and progressives learn and embrace cognitive science, they will continue to lose ground to the false framing imposed by Republicans.

@georgelakoff
Do Republicans actually understand this or are they just idiot savants?

@wa7iut @georgelakoff I’m not an expert on this, but I think it’s a side effect of cognitive dissonance. Take climate change.

If you don’t believe in climate change you’re wrong. Every expert tells you you’re wrong. Everyone who you know who’s just kind of smart says you’re wrong. Even children tell you you’re wrong.

Which leaves two options: give in, or continually reinforce that you’re right. Watch Fox News to see which door they pick.

@birwin
I think it's also a human mental habit. I think humans have repeatedly demonstrated, over tens of thousands of years, a bias for the immediate. And that was before irrational ideologies and the fantasy called capitalism showed up to interfere.
Immediate: As in not seeing "Slow mo" disasters like climate change vs piling up sandbags upon seeing a hurricane coming.
Or like the old "boil a frog in a pot" thing.
@wa7iut @georgelakoff @raymondpert