'One side has won in the 2026 midterm US elections. Now is the time to pursue the persuasion law of balance; now it is time to deal.'

In Bill Maher’s “New Rule” segment, he urges politicians to FRAME this WIN as an OPPORTUNITY. Abandon political gridlock and aim for bipartisan pragmatism. Instead of swinging back and forth between the extremes, politicians need to COMPROMISE to NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENTS that will reflect where 80% of Americans are. This means pursuing the Persuasion Law of Balance as outlined in Kurt Mortensen’s celebrated book, Maximum Influence.

What is the Law of Persuasion?

The Law of Balance in persuasion is the broad practice of striking a balance between emotional appeal and logical reasoning in communication.

Psychological Balance

• Core Concept: People naturally seek psychological stability and consistency in their attitudes and relationships. When an imbalance occurs, it creates cognitive discomfort.

• How It Persuades: To resolve this tension, people are driven to restore balance by changing their attitudes, altering their feelings toward the person, or rejecting the conflicting idea.

• Triangulation/Association: You can influence someone by aligning yourself with things (or people) they already like, or dissociating from things they dislike.

  
  

Emotional and Logical Balance

• Core Concept: Effective communication requires blending pathos (emotion) with logos (logic).

• The Tipping Point: Relying too heavily on emotion can make an argument seem ungrounded or manipulative, while relying purely on dry statistics can fail to move or inspire an audience.

• Tactics: Combine hard data, proof, and analysis with relatable stories, shared values, or empathetic framing. Cite: Google AI

  
  

The Political How in Applying the Law of Balance

A key part of this balanced approach is no omnibus bills that hide the issues; instead, have single issue bills that will promote common sense transparency.

Maher travels through a litany of issues where the balanced approach will work for most.   This means there are no big, extreme wins, but all parties can substantially meet THEIR GOALS.

• Immigration: Most folks want to close the border, streamline legal immigration, create a pathway for citizens for long time US residents and allow immigrant workers via green cards or work permits.

• Voter ID: As evidenced by the OHIO vote, most are OK with requiring voter ID. Avoid the restrictions on mail in ballots, early voting and voting sites. (The recent vote in OHIO captures this balance.)

• AI data centers: Voters favor AI progress and are proud that US is the leader in the game, BUT there needs to be common sense regulation. There needs to be more research on how these data centers affect the community including electric bills and the environment.

• ICE: Instead of abolishing or giving additional millions of dollars, effectuate controls. Off goes the masks. On goes the cameras for all. Clearly ID the ICE vehicles and people. Ensure that the folks being rounded up are violent convicted felons.

• Abortion: Georgia Governor Elect Keisha Lance Bottoms is capturing this balance by stating that the government need not promote abortions but they should provide for safe, accessible abortion when needed. Bottoms frames abortion access as a fundamental healthcare and bodily autonomy issue, linking it to the state's broader maternal mortality crisis. She has also opposed restrictions on medication abortion (such as mifepristone).

• Marijuana: Treat marijuana like alcohol. Allow it. Regulate it. Tax it.

Conclusion

Political Commentator Scott Galloway*** emphasized this BALANCED APPROACH on CNN Anderson Cooper 360 (11/6/26).

He urges political leaders to add one pound of effort toward economic security versus one ounce of accountability. Do not focus on retribution or vengeance. Focus on housing credits, increasing the minimum wage, work training, etc.

The last ten years there has been the focus on accumulating wealth by the economic upper class, now may be the time for balance: the responsibility of wealth.

*William Maher is an American television host, comedian, actor and political commentator. Known for his political satire, he is the host of the HBO political talk show Real Time with Bill Maher.

**Kurt W. Mortensen is an American author, business consultant, and motivational speaker known for his book Maximum Influence including the Law of Balance.

***Scott Galloway is an American academic, author, podcast host, and entrepreneur. He is professor of marketing at the New York University Stern School of Business. Wikipedia

Resources: https://www.facebook.com/reel/989216260350094, New Rule-Time to Deal video.