Arguing in terms of Virtue

David Brooks - The Vigorous Virtues (New York Times)

This article is interesting because of the comments it generates. Moving the debate onto the terrain of virtue produces more profound, more populist responses than are typically seen in "policy" centered debates, where many of the moral issues are submerged. Union supporters take note, this shift is very effective, and something that needs to be understood by folks who want to move popular opinion...

It's tempting for those who have seen the effects of the moral style of argumentation used by the right so effectively since the time of Regan to conclude it is demogogic, but in fact it would be more accurate to call it persuasive persuasive...