Incumbency style
versus Challenger Style
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 |