Meaning: Saul Alinsky, an American community organizer and writer, is best known for his 1971 book "Rules for Radicals," which has had a lasting impact on political and social activism. The quote attributed to Karl Rove highlights one of Alinsky's tactics, "Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it," and suggests that this tactic has been utilized by the Obama administration in targeting individuals such as Rush Limbaugh, Rick Santelli, and Jim Cramer.

Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals" is a guidebook for grassroots organizing and activism, drawing on his experiences in working with marginalized communities and advocating for social and political change. The book outlines various strategies and tactics for challenging the status quo and empowering ordinary people to effect transformative social movements.

The tactic mentioned in the quote, "Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it," encapsulates a key aspect of Alinsky's approach to activism. "Picking the target" involves identifying a specific issue, individual, or entity to focus on, thus concentrating efforts and attention. Once the target is selected, the next step is to "freeze it," which means to isolate and solidify the target as the central point of contention. This serves to prevent the target from deflecting attention or diluting the impact of the activism.

The subsequent steps, "personalize it and polarize it," are aimed at intensifying the focus on the target. "Personalizing it" involves humanizing the issue or individual by framing it in relatable and emotive terms, thereby fostering a sense of connection and empathy among the activist base. "Polarizing it" then seeks to create a stark division between supporters and opponents, amplifying the conflict and rallying supporters around the cause.

These tactics are intended to generate momentum, mobilize supporters, and apply pressure to achieve specific objectives. By concentrating efforts on a single, well-defined target and framing the issue in personalized and polarizing terms, Alinsky's approach aims to maximize impact and visibility, ultimately shaping public discourse and influencing decision-makers.

The quote's attribution of the tactic to the Obamas and the White House suggests a specific application of Alinsky's principles in contemporary politics. By singling out individuals such as Rush Limbaugh, Rick Santelli, and Jim Cramer, the implication is that the Obama administration employed Alinsky-inspired strategies to confront and challenge these figures in the public sphere. This reflects the enduring relevance of Alinsky's ideas and the ongoing influence of "Rules for Radicals" in shaping political discourse and activism.

It is important to note that Alinsky's tactics, including the one mentioned in the quote, have been the subject of debate and controversy. Critics argue that such methods can be divisive and manipulative, potentially fueling polarization and animosity. On the other hand, proponents view these tactics as essential tools for empowering marginalized voices and holding powerful interests to account.

In conclusion, the quote referencing Saul Alinsky's tactic from "Rules for Radicals" sheds light on the enduring impact of his work on grassroots organizing and activism. Alinsky's approach, as outlined in his book, has been influential in shaping strategies for social and political change, with the tactic of "Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it" exemplifying his emphasis on focused and emotive engagement. Whether employed by community organizers, political leaders, or social movements, these tactics continue to spark discussions about the ethics and efficacy of activist strategies in contemporary society.