To Conservatives, Republicans, Libertarians, Independents, and anyone who wants Mitt Romney to win . . .

The ongoing war of ideas is a complex, multifarious thing. Sometimes, it involves convincing people on a very specific point; at other times, on a broad topic. Sometimes, the focus is on convincing people that one candidate will produce better results for their lives, and the lives of their families, than another. Most of the time, in the aggregate, the focus is on many things at once.

As we draw closer to this historic election, however, the focus has to get a lot more specific. The most important thing now is making sure that more people get out and vote for Mitt Romney than Barack Obama.

Many of you are messaging about this election with great frequency: In blogs, in emails, in social networks like Facebook and Twitter, and at the water cooler. All of this is right and good. But now that we are a month away from Election Day, it is wise for us to refine our messaging depending on who is listening.

#1 Independents and undecideds
Blogs, websites, social media environments, personal interactions, etc. in which there is an appreciable percentage of undecided/independent voters

Here, it makes sense to keep doing some messaging about how Mitt Romney is a better choice than Barack Obama (or, conversely, why Barack Obama is a bad choice for reelection). As long as there are still people to convince, it is worth it to do so.

#2 Democrats and Obama voters
Blogs, websites, social media environments, personal interactions, etc. in which the primary audience is/are Obama voters

At this point, trying to convince Obama voters is a poor use of time. In some circumstances, arguing back and forth with one Democrat in a Facebook thread can be cathartic and good sport, and it can help refine arguments. But with a little over a month to go, one’s resources are better spent on GOTV efforts (see below).

#2 Republicans and Romney voters
Blogs, websites, social media environments, personal interactions, etc. in which the primary audience is/are people who are already planning to vote for Romney/against Obama

As we approach the election, the value of discussing among ourselves how horrible Obama is dramatically decreases. We all need to vent, especially at stressful times like these, but the bottom line is, we all know how horrible Obama is, and we’re all already planning to vote against him. Again, if there is an appreciable number of independents and undecideds listening, then some convincing makes sense. If not, if the vast majority are already Romney voters, then one is better off shifting focus to the following . . .