Political Science 101 -- Election Strategy

[Colin Ex]

In a primary, a candidate will attempt to appeal to the base as much as possible by portraying himself as a solid liberal or conservative. For example, George W. Bush spoke at Bob Jones University in his 2000 push for the nomination. This is to win the support of the base and to make sure a candidate will have sufficient support for the general election.

In the general election, a candidate will go for the center in hopes of winning as much of the moderate vote as possible. They will portray themselves as moderate while still backed by the support of their bases.
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I just thought that would be a good reminder for everyone who is complaining about John Kerry's sudden rightward push, or whatever is chic these days. Frankly, if John Kerry WEREN'T pushing to the center and the right, he'd be an idiot and throwing the election away.

-C

[Colin Ex]

1. Self-serving kick

[WFF]

2. I agree

There are still a lot of people sitting on the fence. I'm guessing these people are more moderate than anything else.

[Nashyra]

3. Very important fact

[MrChupon]

4. Honest question after reading your post

How is it that Kerry pushing rightward is "appealing to his base"?

[bhunt70]

6. I think

the appealing to his base is during the primaries and early in the cycle...the push to get the moderates (ie the rightward move) would come after the base has been solidified.

[Colin Ex]

7. Pardon my being not specific enough.

Appeals to base are generally reserved for the primaries, when it matters the most.

Does that clear it up?

-C

[Jane Austin]

5. Kick for a good reminder.

n/t