When starting your fundraising operations you want to pick the “low hanging fruit” first. This means finding and targeting the people most likely to give you money with the least amount of effort. Friends, family, co-workers are your best targets. These people know you personally and presumably like you. While many will say “no,” this group has the highest probability of saying “yes” and should be the first phone calls you make to raise money.
Read MoreIt is standard practice for campaigns to have a slogan. With people’s short attention span you really have to distill your message into a few concise words that describe who you are and why you’re running. A good slogan tells the voter everything they need to know in less than 9 words. Great slogans do it in way less.
Read MoreCandidates often find it difficult to navigate the intersection of religion and politics during their campaigns. Many candidates are religious and think that other followers of their denomination should be an easy target for votes. They are often unaware that churches risk losing their tax exempt status by engaging in partisan politics...Here are some helpful tips for courting religious voters.
Read MoreSince the advent of television, campaigns have used theme songs and jingles as a way to keep themselves fresh in a potential voter's memory. From Eisenhower to JFK to the modern day, we look at what works and what doesn't.
Read MoreWhen you meet someone face-to-face, 90% of how you are judged is based on nonverbal data—your appearance and your body language. Only 10% is influenced by the words that you speak. Whoever said that you can’t judge a book by its cover failed to note that people do.
Read MoreMany candidates struggle with what role their spouse and children should play on the campaign. The answer is very simple: a flattering one. If they are not going to help or make you look good, don't use them on the campaign.
Read MoreThe news recently has been a steady drumbeat of disaster and tragedy. From the flooding in Colorado to the mass shootings in Washington DC, these events create a torrent of reaction from regular citizens, elected officials, and aspiring candidates. Ultimately, those in the public eye must react in a measured and respectful way in order to avoid the perception that they are exploiting a tragedy for political gain.
Read MoreIn Ethics for Political Managers at GWU's Graduate School of Political Management, we were asked to create a code of conduct for political operatives. I modeled mine off of the 10 Commandments, arguably one of the most successful codes of ethics around. The professor was not amused...PART 3
Read MoreIn Ethics for Political Managers at GWU's Graduate School of Political Management, we were asked to create a code of conduct for political operatives. I modeled mine off of the 10 Commandments, arguably one of the most successful codes of ethics around. The professor was not amused...PART 2.
Read MoreIn Ethics for Political Managers at GWU's Graduate School of Political Management, we were asked to create a code of conduct for political operatives. I modeled mine off of the 10 Commandments, arguably one of the most successful codes of ethics around. The professor was not amused...PART 1
Read MoreSocial media is an important tool in any campaign seeking to generate enthusiasm and engage with its supporters. Newark Mayor and Senatorial Candidate Cory Booker is an ascendant political celebrity for a variety of reasons. His ability to leverage social media to heighten his visibility and burnish his brand is a large part of his success, but a closer examination reveals the potential pitfalls for embracing such a twitter-friendly strategy
Read MoreAs a general rule in politics, if you are explaining, you are losing. Successful campaigns go on the offense with their messaging and policy issues. Focus on the issues where you are strong and avoid talking about the issues where you are weak. If your campaign talks about a certain issue, the press will report on it and your opponent will be forced to comment on issues in your turf. You are setting the terms of the debate.
Read MoreThe popular TV show "30 Rock," introduced us to the concept of a 'Handsome Guy bubble.' In spite of his being inept at most things, Liz Lemon's boyfriend Dr. Drew was able to sail through life because of his good looks. He lived in a bubble in which no one told him the truth
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