I’m indebted to one of the many Ann Onymouses who comment on TuS, for sharing this with me.
Earlier today, I wrote:
The SNP can win again if they learn from the US Democrat’s defeat – don’t respond to opposition ‘facts’, frame the argument as strength and do not move to the right as that only convinces voters that the right has better ideas
In essence, this argues that the leadership should ignore the flak, like Trump, dismiss it all as biased, present as strong and caring, frame the argument around the values that the majority will vote for and leave the detailed factual debate on why its in their factual self-interest to vote for them to backbench MSPs and activists including, especially, those of us operating within social media, recognising that the MSM have little influence on voters other than the one-third unshiftable Unionists.
Of course, that’s not all we need and Lessons to be learned for psychotherapy and counselling from the U.S. election by Sue Parker Hall of Foundation for Academic Integrity and Responsibility, is particularly useful for both the leaders and the rest of us campaigners.
I’ll pick out a few ideas that strike me as useful, some no doubt already familiar to you. Full text at the link below:
One of the key takeaways from the US election is the importance of acknowledging and respecting genuinely held, diverse views. Many Americans expressed dissatisfaction with messaging that framed dissenters, and dissenting opinions, as inherently flawed or bigoted or worse.
In psychotherapy and counselling, good practice is to avoid framing clients’ beliefs as ‘in need of improvement’, a dynamic that men in particular have commonly experienced. Clients bring unique morals, values, and life experiences to the therapeutic space, and it is critical to approach these with acceptance, curiosity, empathy and afresh; any organic change for our clients occurs naturally as a result of them resting exactly as they are in the here and now.
So, with No and especially Labour voters, first empathise with their concerns and then respectfully draw from them what bothers them most. Only then offer one or two examples of how, contrary to the MSM messages, things have actually been improved a bit and how full fiscal control could do more, while accepting it’s still not good enough. Gently remind that full independence is the route to all fuller improvements.
The election underscored the alienating effects of ideological overreach, where policies or rhetoric are applied too rigidly or broadly, ignoring the diversity of populations.
Again accept and respect the worries about policies in areas such as climate change and gender change. By all means try to reassure with reference to policies on gradual transition and statistics clarifying the statistically tiny and non-criminal nature of the trans community, but fully accept the legitimacy of their opinion.
Harris often responded to uncomfortable questions with laughter, a reaction that may have been intended to deflect tension but left many undecided voters or viewers feeling dismissed, as though their concerns were not being taken seriously. Her campaign frequently framed disagreement with its policies as bigotry, offering little space for nuanced dialogue or constructive debate. For many voters, being labelled a bigot, or worse, for expressing opposition to policies like biological males using women’s restrooms or gender identity discussions in schools was experienced as dismissive and alienating. This approach prioritised identity politics over addressing practical, everyday concerns, alienating groups such as white working-class men, Christian voters, and even young men, who felt the campaign was either hostile to their values or disinterested in their struggles.
Notably, the alienation extended beyond just white men. The Democratic Party also lost significant numbers of black male voters, such was the concern that Obama felt moved to address those potential voters in what some described as a critical fatherly, lecturing and shaming way; he urged them to ‘embrace women in power’ implying that they were misogynist or participating in a betrayal, if they didn’t vote for her.
Ten years ago more young men than young women supported the SNP and YES but that has shifted significantly. We should not, of course, turn back on the many progressive achievements but the SNP and the movement need to push hard on creating well-paid jobs and training in areas where many men have previously found satisfying identity confirmation. Renewables and infrastructure projects, with rules on local employment, need to be a bigger part of the economy than they currently are. Once more, tell them, only independence makes that possible.
At leadership level, someone passionate about the Scotland football team and with a mischievous sense of humour including regarding the England team, will help massively to reframe the campaign without need to sacrifice previous achievements.
Source:
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
Referendums are different from elections. Higher turnout % One topic. YES or NO.
Elections cover a variety of topics with a manifesto which is often then discarded. More often by Unionist Parties. SNP try to keep to the manifesto if possible. Or explain ‘why not’. They have successfully led an SNP Gov in Scotland for nearly 17 years. A massive achievement. They must be doing something right. Quite amazing.
Support for Independence is increasing, especially by the young. A majority want another Ref. It will come when people in Scotland increasingly vote out more unionists. At the Holyrood Election 2026 and beyond. Do not have a senile leader that has to be replace half way through the proceedings.
The US electorate wanted an end to illegal wars and wasted funding etc. The SNP Scottish Gov wants the same. Advocates getting rid of Trident, funding Child credit. Reintroducing the winter fuel payment, low unemployment. A better thriving economy. Supporting healthcare, social care, education and welfare. Doing fine. Not really following the US economic example. Framing the argument and supporting the vulnerable. Everyone who can need to get out campaigning. Or join the SNP. Or other Independence supporting Parties. Or YES groups to campaign for Independence policies at the next Holyrood election. A few Independence marches. Or campaigns at the time might be beneficial. To be a reminder of better things that could come.
The Tories are a busted flush. Labour are finished and losing support. Cancelled winter fuel payment and other policies. The SNP are in a strong position another to achieve major victory. Depending on the turnout and younger voters. Get one other voter out by Independence supporters. Done.
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Oh no Labour are not ‘finished’ they have the deep state BritNat ops & some pals outwith UK to do everything in their power to keep Scotland shackled to their ‘union’. It’s going to be a very uneven and a mega dirty tricks campaign deployed on the inside, while it will be made to appear all fair and democratic on the outside.
Need some clever tactics…so get working on what is going to work in getting actual facts out to people so they can make an informed decision about who they want to govern them…
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Maybe the message should be different, ‘yes’ or ‘no’ had the desired effect last time, worked very much in favour of the anti independence movement/BritNatstate, so why is it a good idea to repeat that next time when it’s clearly not in the pro independence campaigns’ favour. Need some clever slogans, and maybe the question itself could be different? I don’t know, but let’s not allow the narrative to be controlled by the BritNat state, again.
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Increasing support from 23% to 45% is a massive increase. By example an increase 50%+ (now) to plus 22% (example as what happened) in the next Indy Ref = 72%. Or more with a higher turnout. (85%+). Indy Ref turnout 25% higher than a General Election. (60%).
YES or NO was in reference to the difference between a Referendum and a General Election. Not a description of policy.
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