On this episode, I explore what it means for progressive political movements that so much recent research suggests “facts don’t matter” when it comes to persuading people on various social issues. Does this mean we ought to ignore research, analysis and data in favor of more emotional and narrative forms of political appeals? Is the research even accurate when it says “facts don’t matter?” How do we know, and what do the answers suggest for organizing strategy or the way we engage others around politics?

With stories from my own experience, I’ll make note of the way facts seem not to matter, but also one very important way in which they do. Also, I’ll discuss the importance of progressives learning to illustrate facts with stories and narratives in a way that can compete with the right-wing’s talent at doing the same.

And finally, I’ll note the way that facts, used badly, can harm progressive movements, leading to the inescapable conclusion that when we mobilize on the basis of them we need to make sure we’re doing so accurately and logically.

A helpful primer on the way to make the case for a politics of social justice and equity...and the way not to.