RUNNING FROM OFFICE?: CONGRESSIONAL VERSUS

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS

AP Government and PoliticsWilson: Chapter 8

Presidential and Congressional Elections Elections in US have 2 phases

Nomination and election to office Congressional races are different from Prez races in

several waysPrez races are more competitive, last longerTurnout lower in midterms

○ Changes appeal to votersMoCs can help constituents in ways president cannotMoCs can “run against DC” – how is this possible?MoCs sometimes enjoy protection/insulated from party of

president○ Coattail effect has lessened as people vote split ticket more often○ This also illustrates weakening effects of party

Elements of Presidential Campaigns Money – over $1 billion spent in 2008

Much spent on advertising spots (vs. visuals) What is the overall impact of TV political ads (spots) on voters?

Organization – staff to run campaign Theme and Strategy

○ Tone – positive or negative○ Theme

Trust, competence, stay the course, change, compassionate conservatism

○ Timing – early primaries, Go for broke or hold back reserves

○ Targets – which voters? Only some change votes from one election to next.

Issues○ Position (two sides) vs. Valence (one side, who’s better)

Valence becoming more important

Televised Debates○ Why would incumbent NOT want to debate a challenger?