At some point one's own political idealism requires a practical & achievable application... [View all]

[MrScorpio]

Last edited Wed Apr 29, 2015, 11:49 PM - Edit history (1)

...If one is really serious about getting their particular candidate elected. It's not just about why YOU think that a certain candidate SHOULD be elected, it's about why and how everyone else WILL vote for your candidate as well.

Wishing and hoping is one thing, but connecting with a majority of the electorate is quite another. The first thing to consider is what it is about your choice that appeals to as many people as possible. If you're having a hard time understanding what this thing is, then you'll also have an even harder time seeing that person elected.

The narrower the focus of that candidate, the harder the general appeal. That's why single issue candidates in national elections have the hardest time getting elected. It's also why purity tests set up candidates for failure. Winners usually appeal on various levels, and usually those levels create conflict between supporters. What appeals to Californians may not appeal to Ohioans, even though they may vote for the same candidate.

This is why we have primaries, to chose the person with the most general appeal and support. They can also serve to adjust and spread concerns from fringe issues to a general audience. How candidates accept, support and advocate for these issues is important as well. If you have concerns for a particular issue, the person who initially has your support may not be the person who would eventually succeed at getting you what, where and when you desire it. Especially if that person never got elected in the first place.

Make allies, create a consensus of ideals and form coalitions. Come together and fight together. Find another's champion your own in the end, if need be.

The ultimate goal is winning. Even if you have to support another from within your own party. Never forget that purity driven martyrs are always left out in the cold.