Stages of Political Candidate Campaigns

 Surfacing

Activities

• build org. in each region/district
• lots of speeches to get attention/ name rec.
• prelim polls
• raise money

Functions

• test fitness of candidate
• ritual announcement speech
• develop identity - goals, programs, etc.
• develop identity - personal/admin style
• determines dominate theme of camp. rhetorical agenda
• front runners appear in media
• media & candidate get to know each other

 Primaries

Activities

• often personal as well as media
• get "bounce" to nomination
• avoid party split

Functions

• source of feedback on issues to candidate
• voters see how candidates perform
• builds citizen involvement
• local voters elicit promises from candidate
• voters determine REAL from runners

 Conventions - mostly ritualistic (for TV)

Activities

• main messages in prime time
• special films, etc.
• conventions legitimate candidates (not select them)

Functions

• reaffirms the "American Way"
• opens with theme (keynote)
• assembles character types
• anoints nominee
• legitimates nominee (opponents endorse)
• develops party unity
• sets rhetorical agenda for camp.

 General Election

Functions

• voters get info
• election creates legitimacy
• fulfills ritual expectations (list some)
• address key issues
• enact our values

See Incumbency Style versus Challenger Style

See Comparision of Stages -- Persuasive Campaigns versus Candidate Campaigns