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

 Which candidates have used incumbency style and how?  (all levels)

• use symbolic trappings of office
• use the legitimacy of the office
• office demonstrates competency
• office can help create charisma
• make pseudo events (announcements of new plans)
• make appointments to jobs
• create task forces
• appropriate/grant funds to locals
• consult world leaders
• manipulate domestic issues (e.g. new benefits to voters
• get endorsements
• emphasize accomplishments
• be "above the battle" hard at work
• be aloof not involved in grubby politics
• ignore opponents and attacks
• don't campaign/work hard
• use surrogates
• create a crisis, esp. foreign

 Problems

• Must defend record - on the defense
• May be blamed for all problems
• Must look like they're working not just campaigning
• front runner high expectations

 Which candidates have used challenger style and how?

• Attack opponents record
• take the offensive on policy issues
• call for change
• emphasize optimism for future
• connect to tradition values of Americans
• appear to represent the political center
• delegate harsh attacks to media and others in party

Persuasive Campaigns vs Candidate Campaigns