Unit IV

So You Want To Run For President?

Step 1: Making the DecisionMake sure you have a chance to winLosing can be harmful to future political

endeavorsNo one likes a “loser”

Step 2: Making the AnnouncementTell the world your intentionsMake your announcement something that

wins votesJohn Kerry on Daily ShowArnold on Tonight Show

Step 3: Fundraise…Like Seriously, Get Money Send out mailers soliciting donationsDinnersA correlation between cash & political

success? What?

Step 4: Get Ready for a Balancing ActPrepare a strategy for the primary

electionMust be further towards edges to beat

others in the same partyPrepare a strategy for the general

electionMust be further towards the center to

beat other party’s candidateHave fun with that tightrope

Step 5: Iowa CaucusIowa has the focus of the media

First chance to get votes for the primary election

Winning the Iowa Caucus provides momentum and early attentionNot much of a predictor

Step 6: New Hampshire PrimaryNew Hampshire Primary is a bit more of a

predictor, but not perfectA pretty good indication of how the election

is going to goWinner gets more attention, attention =

money, money = success, ad infinitum

Step 7: Super TuesdayFirst Tuesday in February of election yearPrimaries in lots of states

Can win the most votes on this dayChoose your states wisely

Can’t campaign in them all

Step 8: Pick a Vice-PresidentDoesn’t really matter that muchMUST have something you are missing

If you are moderate, get someone more towards edges

If you are young, get someone experienced

Etc.Can’t win election, but can lose it if you

pick a terrible one

Step 9: National ConventionHuge party!Celebrate you

Might not hurt to take a few potshots at your opponent

…Or spend the whole time doing thatSuperdelegates: Party celebrities who

get convention votes and are not bound to vote for anyone in particular (Mostly Dems)

Step 10: DebatesMessage, Message, MessageIt’s not about policy anymore

Who looks better?Who sounds better? Who has better catchphrases and labels for

opponent?

Step 11: Win!Good luck, don’t screw it up or your failure

will be a synonym for when you get Hardinged, Hoovervilled, etc.