In an age where Democratic concession to Republican demands has become standard practice, it is critical that we review and put into practice the godfather of all political tactics -- one at which Republicans are adept.

It purveys power, decisiveness, and confidence -- and it is one that progressives must add to our arsenal if we ever hope to retake our rightful position as the accurate and dominant political representative of traditional "American Values".

Technique: Never Concede an Inch to the Opposition. Unless the opponent's assertion or conclusion is beneficial to your own argument, do not concede one inch. Their point is either innocuous, in agreement with you, or simply wrong. Never say things like, "Well, there's a lot of truth to that..." or "You've got a point there." Remember that your stance on the issue is the correct stance. Learn it, Live it. Love it. No matter what. Never give in and stick to the script. Remember that you are debating, not negotiating, in which case concessions might be appropriate.

The left has traditionally perceived such a stance as 'stubborn' or 'pig-headed'. The fact of the matter is, however, that such unyielding force is something that would be a welcome addition to promoters of the progressive view of politics. More often than not, people are willing to overlook the air of 'stubbornness' in favor of the aura of 'strength' that such a tactic creates.

This will be a tough tactic to implement for some progressives -- you know -- the ones that are most easily labled 'milquetoast', 'mamby-pamby', and/or 'wafflers' who are derided by the right as standing for nothing and living without values or principles.

Perceptioin is everything. Tough tactics are a means to an end. They show that you have a spine and they are something sorely lacking at all levels of the progressive political movement.

One Liners: "That is completely wrong."

Setup: Most people, when engaged in lively debate, have some sense of compassion for their opponent and will generally tell them when they agree with something their opponent has said. If you really want to crush your opponent, you won’t do that. (And we DO want to crush our opponents)

Reasoning: "Give them an inch and they take a mile" the old adage goes. That could not be more true. In fact, a more accurate saying might be, "Give them an inch and you give them a mile." You give them and their message credibility and a growing strength each time you agree with their points regardless of how minor or irrelevant you might perceive those points to be. Relentlessly refraining from concession makes you look strong, confident and correct, exactly the type of person someone would like to associate with. Rest assured that the benefits of such a strategy far outweigh the potential for some listeners to perceive you as being stubborn.

Example one liners and Tips:

* "That is completely misleading."

* "Wrong."

* "You are completely misguided."

* "Let me help you with reality"

* Don't just disagree, completely disagree or vehemently disagree.

Should you ever concede anything?

Sometimes concession is in the best interest of your goals.

First remember that we are talking about debate, not negotiation. You NEVER negotiate your values or principles.

There are some debating techniques that are more art than science where you concede on unimportant matters, or appear to be conceding on issues of fact. This technique allows you to press forward without looking 'unreasonable'. Nevertheless, when fighting the rabid right, such mindful concessions, no matter how well chosen and placed, would simply seve as an opening for the winger attack machine to set itself in full motion. Don't do it.

In the Event of Agreement

Even when you do agree with your opponent, re-frame the assertion in terms of your values and principles and DO NOT USE THE LANGUAGE OF YOUR OPPOSITION. In other words, do not use the terms, catch phrases, or context used by your opponent.

For example, If they say something like "We need to defend America at any cost", then we must paraphrase in a way that promotes our progressive values.

Something like.... "We need to defend America at any cost -- by forming global alliances, properly funding first responders, targeting the true threats to national security, promoting non-proliferation, and fighting the root cause of these threats rather than encourage and provoke them with insightless, haphazard, ad hoc policy." -- or something like that.

Never offer them the comfort of phrases like 'I agree', or 'I concur', etc. Start your statement simply paraphrasing the point with which you agree in your own words, using your own frame. Do not give validity to anything they say regarding their opposing, and thus 'wrong', position.

Never agree with your opponent for the purpose of appearing 'popular' or 'agreeable'. All that will accomplish is making your opponent more credible... and thus more 'popular' or 'agreeable', not you.

Summary: Stick to your guns and give them NOTHING.

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