Republican scare tactics work best on Republicans

[Bronzeage]

The latest email from the GOP national committee. Last year I signed on to the NRSC mailing list. Some of these things are pretty funny.


Subject: This.Is.Terrifying.

A new Washington Post poll just released shows that the Democrats now have a 51% chance of keeping the Senate blue.

That’s down from a few weeks ago, where all the pollsters said Republicans had at LEAST a 60% chance of winning the Senate.

Republicans have the absolute best shot we’ve had in decades to win the Senate. We just need the resources - contribute now.

Red states are up for grabs. States Mitt Romney won. These are states with weak, seriously flawed Democratic incumbents for senators.

If we don’t win the Senate this year -- will we ever?

Now is the time to capitalize on the momentum we’ve been building.

Now is the time to take action to ensure a Republican victory this fall. It really is up to you.
Contribute $20.14 or more today-- help us take back the Senate.

I get at least one a day, begging for money, all say it's absolutely critical.

 

[Sarpedon]

I get similar messages from the democrats.

 

[T.G.G. Moogly]

I dropped my membership and participation with CFI for the same reason. Always asking for money. Always!

Every good republican knows we need rich people to protect us from the democrats.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Since when was November 2002 (last time they won the majority in the Senate), decades ago?

 

[dystopian]

I'm sure there's all sorts of more relevant things you guys can say in regards to this, but the following just jumped out at me:

Now is the time to take action to ensure a Republican victory this fall. It really is up to you.
Contribute $20.14 or more today-- help us take back the Senate.

contribute 20 dollars and 14 cents, or more.

Lolwut? Why so specific?

 

[untermensche]

I don't think this is fear. It is playing on something else.

It is saying that the home team is about to lose but you can do something about it.

It is playing on people's desire to be the hero that scores the winning touchdown. They helped put the home team over the top.

And with just twenty bucks.

 

[Bronzeage]

I'm sure there's all sorts of more relevant things you guys can say in regards to this, but the following just jumped out at me:

Now is the time to take action to ensure a Republican victory this fall. It really is up to you.
Contribute $20.14 or more today-- help us take back the Senate.

contribute 20 dollars and 14 cents, or more.

Lolwut? Why so specific?

Because $20.13 is just not enough.


From the Dems:

Republican super PACs and shady special interest groups will spend millions of dollars this year to defeat Democrats, obstruct President Obama's agenda, and dismantle Obamacare.

But we can cut through the noise if we have the resources we need to win.

Chip in right now to elect more Democrats:

From the GOP:

Friend,

Everyone knows Republicans are on offense. We’ve got the candidates, the talent, and the technology. We’ve got the people, the message, and the drive.

The Democrats know all this. It’s why they’re attacking us with baseless smears funded by far-left Hollywood donors and radical leftists.

But I’m going to let you in on something – our key to taking back the Senate. The media has over-looked it. The other side has NO IDEA we have it.

Our secret weapon: You.

All of us here on the campaign are completely devoted to winning back the Senate. And all of us know how much supporters like you matter.

We’ve raised more money this cycle than NRSC has in its entire history. Want to know why? Because people like you stepped up to the plate and made contributions, large and small. Your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers and family members. And that’s why we’re on the cusp of making history this November.

But we’re not there yet. We need your help, and we need it now. Keep us in the fight.

 

[Sarpedon]

You have real dedication to actually read them

 

[Bronzeage]

You have real dedication to actually read them

It's better than the Onion.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Your candidate is richer than you'll ever know, but they need your support to win this election. Without your support, we won't be able to broadcast vile attack ads that take every single thing the opponent has ever done so far out of context it won't represent what they actually stand for.

So please, step up to the plate and donate your hard earned dollar to help support our millionaire for Congress!

 

[Tom Sawyer]

Your candidate is richer than you'll ever know, but they need your support to win this election. Without your support, we won't be able to broadcast vile attack ads that take every single thing the opponent has ever done so far out of context it won't represent what they actually stand for.

So please, step up to the plate and donate your hard earned dollar to help support our millionaire for Congress!

It's reasons such as this that the Other Side is so dangerous to America. The continuous politicalization of every issue and the constant personal attacks made by these subhuman scum are the reason that the country is in the state its in today. Give us money to fight them so that our millionaires can displace their millionaires.

 

[prideandfall]

contribute 20 dollars and 14 cents, or more.

Lolwut? Why so specific?

... because it's 2014?
it's the 2014 race.
they're trying to be cute.

 

[dystopian]

contribute 20 dollars and 14 cents, or more.

Lolwut? Why so specific?

... because it's 2014?
it's the 2014 race.
they're trying to be cute.

Oh wow, I can't believe I didn't realize that.

I don't think asking for donations (especially *minimum* donations) in the form of the year/date would go over very well in my culture, so I hadn't even considered the possibility.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

... because it's 2014?
it's the 2014 race.
they're trying to be cute.

Oh wow, I can't believe I didn't realize that.

I don't think asking for donations (especially *minimum* donations) in the form of the year/date would go over very well in my culture, so I hadn't even considered the possibility.

Well, the real donors get the email that says to donate $11,032,014.

 

[bilby]

... because it's 2014?
it's the 2014 race.
they're trying to be cute.

Oh wow, I can't believe I didn't realize that.

I don't think asking for donations (especially *minimum* donations) in the form of the year/date would go over very well in my culture, so I hadn't even considered the possibility.

Apparently people are more likely to donate if the amount requested is very specific. Adding an example of what the donation can achieve is also apparently a good way to increase the total take - so the RSPCA might say '$10.32 will buy a week's food for a dog in our shelter', even though your donation is going to be part of a pool of cash they spend on a whole bunch of things, and not just dog food.

It's all about manipulating people. Some of it is subtle; some less so. $20.14 is intended to be subtle; many people won't consciously link the sum to the year, but will nevertheless be slightly more inclined to donate than they would have been if asked for $10.