Unit IV
So You Want To Run For President?
Step 1: Making the DecisionMake sure you have a chance to winLosing can be harmful to future political
endeavorsNo one likes a “loser”
Step 2: Making the AnnouncementTell the world your intentionsMake your announcement something that
wins votesJohn Kerry on Daily ShowArnold on Tonight Show
Step 3: Fundraise…Like Seriously, Get Money Send out mailers soliciting donationsDinnersA correlation between cash & political
success? What?
Step 4: Get Ready for a Balancing ActPrepare a strategy for the primary
electionMust be further towards edges to beat
others in the same partyPrepare a strategy for the general
electionMust be further towards the center to
beat other party’s candidateHave fun with that tightrope
Step 5: Iowa CaucusIowa has the focus of the media
First chance to get votes for the primary election
Winning the Iowa Caucus provides momentum and early attentionNot much of a predictor
Step 6: New Hampshire PrimaryNew Hampshire Primary is a bit more of a
predictor, but not perfectA pretty good indication of how the election
is going to goWinner gets more attention, attention =
money, money = success, ad infinitum
Step 7: Super TuesdayFirst Tuesday in February of election yearPrimaries in lots of states
Can win the most votes on this dayChoose your states wisely
Can’t campaign in them all
Step 8: Pick a Vice-PresidentDoesn’t really matter that muchMUST have something you are missing
If you are moderate, get someone more towards edges
If you are young, get someone experienced
Etc.Can’t win election, but can lose it if you
pick a terrible one
Step 9: National ConventionHuge party!Celebrate you
Might not hurt to take a few potshots at your opponent
…Or spend the whole time doing thatSuperdelegates: Party celebrities who
get convention votes and are not bound to vote for anyone in particular (Mostly Dems)
Step 10: DebatesMessage, Message, MessageIt’s not about policy anymore
Who looks better?Who sounds better? Who has better catchphrases and labels for
opponent?
Step 11: Win!Good luck, don’t screw it up or your failure
will be a synonym for when you get Hardinged, Hoovervilled, etc.
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