General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I had understood, perhaps incorrectly, that there was more or less a consensus here that [View all]hueymahl
(2,529 posts)What I do agree with is that there is a hard-core red group that will vote R regardless of who says what. But it is those in the middle the may identify generally with R positions but also sometimes vote D. When you have a polarizing national figure, regardless of who it is, distancing yourself from that figure is just good strategy. It is not going to meaningfully turn off your own base, but it might allow you to pick up some important swing votes.
Same analysis goes for polarizing planks/positions. The most polarizing is probably reproductive rights. I'm as pro-choice as anyone, but I can see the strategy of playing down being pro-choice or even make noises about pro-life if I am running in a conservative, red district. It might allow me to peel off just enough votes to push me over the top.
It all gets back to this purity issue. Win first. Purify later.