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Internet key to campaign win
Google CEO says Internet is key to campaign win - Pointing technology like YouTube, Google's CEO has declared that the internet is the key to winning campaigns. In truth, this is not a new idea. But it is very interesting to hear it coming so directly from someone who obviously knows what he's talking about ...
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I don't need no Civil War
Is Iraq in a Civil War, or not? That's the question asked in this WaPost article. Some Generals (and the media) say it's Civil War. The Bush Admin. says it isn't. Either way, we know for sure there is a war going on in Iraq -- and there is also a war going on in the U.S. over the language and terminology that will define it. They say politics is a bloodless war, and in politics, we know that defining the language is important because perception often times is reality (or at least, influences reality). Words matter, and both sides realize the battle over words is an integral part of the real battle.
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American Democracy Conference
This looks like a great event. If you're in DC (or can travel to DC), it looks like it's worth checking out ... Once again, The Hotline has partnered with the Univ. of VA's Center of Politics to present our 9th annual American Democracy Conference. It's a unique year-end event in that it doesn't just look back on the year that was but looks ahead to the election that will be. This year's ADC will feature a keynote address by James Carville, in addition to top Republican and Democratic panelists representing many of the oft-mentioned contenders for each party's WH '08 nod. The event is free and open to the public with advance registration, and it will be held from 9am-1:15 at the Ronald Reagan Building and Int'l Trade Center (1300 Penn. Ave. NW; WDC) on Thursday, 11/30.
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Unforgettable
"Politics is the art of the possible." August 11, 1867
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The GOP Brand ...
OnMessage Inc. (the people who brought us those cool Michael Steele ads) has put together this very cool PDF on the state of the "GOP Brand." As they point out: "... rebuilding a Brand is more difficult than building a Brand." This is a very good read ...
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Get the Point?
 Frequent readers of this blog know that I have railed against pointing. I firmly believe that pointing makes political candidates look like they are "lecturing" the audience (this is especially problematic for conservatives who may already have an unfair image as being "mean"). For this reason, I advocate open-hand gestures. ... So imagine my surprise when I opened up today's Washington Post and saw pictures of Mitt Romney, Rudy, and Barack Obama ... all pointing (the online version only features a picture of Romney). ... Here's my explanation: Note that they are all pointing upward. They are not pointing at any person (or at the audience). I think that's the significant difference. Okay, so I will make an exception to my rule and say that you shouldn't point AT your audience.
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Top Leadership Books
Here's a good list of some of the top new leadership books ...
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The Republican Advance ...
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... And The News
Here are a few news stories/websites that I found instructive. I hope you will, too ... Featured link: How do pollsters figure out margin of error and sample size? Amazon's list of " insanely great gadgets." Study History: ... No matter who you are, it's wise to study history and learn what works (and what doesn't). In fact, President Bush's advisors are currently "studying the Clinton and Reagan models for lessons" about how to survive when your opponents control Congress ( Washington Post). As Morton Blackwell says, "Nothing moves in politics unless it's pushed": ... The number one reason people will support you is because you asked them to. That's why I like this quote about John Edwards from a New Hampshire activist: "I don't think there's ever been a time I've talked to him when he hasn't concluded by point-blank asking if I'll sign on to his team ..." ( AP)
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Thanksgiving in Costa Rica
When I saw maria sharapova, the tennis player, here, I wasn't all that impressed. I didn't try to talk to her ... what would I say? But when I saw Dusty Rhodes of National Review, I couldn't resist. We ended up on the same zip-lining trip (you know, where you suspend yourself thousands of feet above ground and slide down using pulleys ...). Turns out, Dusty may be even more conservative than I am: Me (as I'm about to risk life and limb): "I wonder who regulates this ..."
Dusty: "Hopefully nobody ..."
That's right, he was happy to let "the market" determine our fate. Of course, he was right, we are safe and sound ...
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Unforgettable
"A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader. A great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves."
Unknown
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Lexicon of Politics
Overvote n. to cast a ballot for more than one candidate for an office when only one choice is permitted.
1988 Omaha World-Harold (Oct. 28) 11: Rather's report featured an interview with a person who indicated that punch cards used by voters could be altered before being given to voters to produce an "overvote" that would not be counted in a race.
1992 Los Angeles Times (June 11) B1: Writing in Perot's name and punching out a presidential candidate on the ballot - called an overvote - will disqualified the vote for the qualified presidential candidate.
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Greetings from Costa Rica
Greetings from the Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica. I'm here to celebrate the elections being over, and to get some r&r --so I can keep writing lots of cool stuff for you. So far, I've gone horseback riding, played beach volleyball, and have hit the ocean. The food and coffee are both fabulous. I've also seen Monkeys (did you know that the ones here can hang by their tails -- but in Africa they can't?) and have gotten a sample of rubber off of a rubber tree (yes, I'm a dork). What about politics, you ask? Via conversation with the locals, I've found out lots of history of Costa Rica. Por exemplo, they disbanded the military in 1948. What keeps Nicaragua and Panama at bay? Most likely all the business investments made here by countries like the U.S.. There are also three major political parties. The "liberal" party is the conservative party. And in the 40s, I believe, a very smart politico found a way to merge communism and Christianity to form the Social Christian party (I think this is what the liberals would love to do in the USA). I'm collecting lots of new ideas and articles. I'll be back in touch after the Holiday! In the meantime, if you're jonesin' for some good campaign/technology training, check out this article by Jon Henke. This draws on what he learned during the 2006 Allen campaign, and (in his words), it discusses "the effectiveness of the Leftosphere, the coming (sooner or later) engagement by the Republican Party of the Rightosphere, and the evolution of the New Media in politics." Enjoy!
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Unforgettable
"If youre actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."  John Quincy Adams
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Lexicon of Politics
Globaloney n. [ global + b aloney] (an unrealistic) foreign policy or global outlook. 2002 Newsweek (Dec. 16) 43: Congresswoman Clare Boothe Luce apparently coined the term "globaloney" in 1943 to trash what Vice President Henry Wallace liked to call his "global thinking," particularly a plan to promote peace by building airports all over the planet.
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Learn public speaking tips on tape ...
I'm surprised this is still available, but if you have $5 -- and if you still have a casette player -- you might want to check it out ... Matt Lewis offers expert tips for effective public speaking at the 2003 Reclaiming America For Christ Grassroots Training Conference. Audio Cassette Donation: $5
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The best pollsters of '06 ...
For your learning pleasure, The Wall Street Journal has a good take on the best pollsters of 2006 ... In other news, today's Hotline features an interview with pollster Glen Bolger of Public Opinion Strategies (POS). Here's an excerpt: Negative campaigning -- good or bad?
It depends. "Negative" campaigning that focuses on issues is important. Campaigns are about differences. Voters need to know those differences. Many times "negative" campaigning that focuses on character is important too -- because voters should know if the Democrat is an ethical sleazeball. Not all negative campaigning works or is appropriate, but the biannual handwringing by the press over negative campaigns is tiresome. Deal with it. It has to be factual to work.
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Lessons in Campaigning
This past weekend, Matt participated in a panel discussion at the Virginia Conservative Action PAC Convention. Along with several other conservative leaders, including Morton Blackwell (pictured on the left) and Phillip Stutts, the panel addressed the winning aspects of campaign strategy.  The event was a great success and the participants covered a wide variety of topics from media involvement to post-election analysis. Members of the audience also poised questions related to upsets in the November 7th elections and where Republican campaigns failed, continuing the discussion. For more information regarding strategies and tips for successful campaigns, I would recommend reading any of Matt's articles and, most importantly, his book Teaching Elephants to Talk.
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Wanted: Communicators!
I totally agree with Jim Geraghty on this one. The sad thing is that (as you'll note), except for Newt, the best communicators (right now) are not conservatives ... Folks, we need some communicators. There's a reason that so many on the right gasp when we hear Newt Gingrich speak; the man knows how to make a point clearly and effectively. Looking back at the 2004 Republican convention, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and Arnold Schwarzenegger each gave grand slam speeches that hit a wide variety of notes and topics. (Heck, George Pataki gave a really good speech at the convention, a possibility I would have said was as probable as the Jets win over the Patriots last Sunday.) Look at the difference between Scott McClellan and Tony Snow behind the podium at the White House press briefings.
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Technology's Role in 2006 and Beyond
Personal Democracy Forum has a good column up titled: Technology's Role in 2006 and BeyondWith the 2006 mid-term elections behind us, we asked a distinguished group of technologists, politicos, bloggers, and journalists to respond to the following questions: Was the role of technology in politics different in 2006 than in 2004? How did new technology most affect Election 2006, and do you see any
lessons for 2008? It features: Chuck DeFeo, Grant Draper, Eli Pariser, Mark Tapscott, and Mike Turk
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C&E Panel Discussion
I just came from the Campaigns & Electio ns panel discussion. It was a good time. One of the Democrat consultants on the panel said something that stuck with me, though. He made the point that this was the most negative election cycle he had ever seen (on both sides), and that he kept worrying that the negativity would depress turnout. To his amazement, the opposite happened. He said that the lesson to be learned by this election is that going negative works -- and that it's a myth that it will depress the electorate ...
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What happened to swift boating?
Morton Blackwell made a good point on a panel discussion we both participated in yesterday. Morton pointed out that in the recent elections, both Ken Blackwell and George Allen were limned as "negative" for attacking their Democrat opponent's salacious behaviors. As Morton pointed out, it would have been preferable if these candidates had been able to recruit a surrogate to make the attacks. After all, in '04, the most effective attack on John Kerry was made -- not by the candidate -- but by the Swift Boat Veteran's for Truth. Because Bush wasn't the one making the attack, he didn't get labeled as going "negative." If at all possible, it's usually best to have a surrogate make the attack. Of course, that assumes you are able to find someone willing to be the "bad guy" ...
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Hear Matt on C&E's panel discussion...
 I'll be participating in a panel discussion sponsored by Campaigns & Elections Magazine and Aristotle, this Tuesday at Noon at the Library of Congress. Attendance is free -- and lunch is provided. Here are the details: Aristotle's "In The Ring"with Campaigns & Elections magazine
A Post Election Follow-Up: What Happened and Why? A Roundtable Debate Jim Spencer - The Campaign Network Randy Gutermuth - American Viewpoint Matt Lewis - Crosslink Strategy Group Morgan Felchner - Campaigns & Elections magazine, Moderator Lunch Provided Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 12:00pm Montpellier Room/Cafeteria - 6th Floor LOC - James Madison building 101 Independence Ave. SE Washington, DC 20540 RSVP to Tracy Dietz at tdietz at campaignline dot com to attend.
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Words Matter ...
Mark Krikorian of The Corner writes: "As 'undocumented worker' becomes an increasingly risible term, keep an eye on the open-borders crowd to see if they start switching to the Canadian euphemism for illegal aliens: ' non-status immigrants .'
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How female candidates can dress for political success
 A story in today's WaPost highlights Nancy Pelosi's wardrobe. While I find it interesting that it is common for journalists to write about what female politician's wear (they almost never do that about men), I do think that it is instructive for female candidates to study what works -- especially since my article " Dress for political success" (PDF) -- contained more detail about how male candidates should dress. Here's an excerpt: "There are many ways for a woman to dress in a professional manner, from Ellen Tracy and St. John to Chanel and Akris. Putting on an Armani suit sends a message as pointed as if a man chooses shirts from Turnbull & Asser instead of Arrow. That man is not trying to be flashy, but he is intimately aware of the value of a winning appearance, both in the way in which others respond to it and also in the way in which it makes him feel. He isn't simply trying to be appropriate: He is aiming for dapper. He aspires to give off a brighter sheen than his colleagues. There is a bit of quiet one-upmanship in the choice."
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Unforgettable
"Pull the string, and it will follow wherever you wish. Push it, and it will go nowhere at all. "  Dwight D. Eisenhower
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Lexicon of Politics
Blue Dog Democrat n. [cf. YELLOW-DOG DEMOCRAT, based on paintings by Louisiana artist George Rodrigue, which show a blue dog in political situations] a coalition of (fiscally) moderate-to-conservative Democratic House members; (hence) a Conservative Democrat, usu. Southern.
1995 Washington Times (Apr. 21) A1: They call themselves blue-dog Democrats - yellow-dog Democrats turned blue by the choke put on them by their own liberal leadership. 2001 Newsweek (July 15): He is one of about 30 conservative "blue dog" Democrats who cannot be counted on to vote the party line.
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72-Hour Task Force: What went wrong?
In lieu of last night's election results, a lot of people will be asking what happened to the GOP's GOTV effort. I have a few thoughts on the subject (none of which is terribly original). 1. Democrats have not caught up with the GOP's GOTV effort, but they have made major gains. It used to be that our GOTV effort gave us an additional 5%. Now, when you factor in the Dems effort, we probably come out ahead by 2% or 3%. 2. While a 2% or 3% advantage in turn-out wins a lot of races, it couldn't overcome the zeitgeist of 2006. 3. The 72-Hour Task Force works best in areas that have used it before. For example, in 2004, targeted states like Ohio and Pennsylvania used it. But many of the areas that were in play this cycle had never tested or fully trained their operatives and activists how to use it. What is more, executing it requires motivated volunteers and activists -- which was a problem this year. ... At least, that's my initial assessment.
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No big surprise there ...
If you're a challenger, you've got to attack the incumbent. Right? Right. And what happens when you don't? This headline (from North Dakota) says it all ... "Incumbents crush challengers in clean campaigns"Forum Communications Co.Published Wednesday, November 08, 2006Note: I'm certainly not advocating "dirty" campaigns. But these candidates aren't being praised for being "clean," they are really praised for running "nice" (but losing) campaigns. Of course the incumbents like it when challengers don't attack them. Who wouldn't?
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7 Campaign Ads Worth Watching
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Political ads go up against DVR tech
New technology is allowing voters to "skip" political ads. As you can imagine, this is a big problem for some political consultants. According to this article ... While it's impossible to say just how many people are using DVRs to ditch this year's political message, few doubt, with TiVo's increasing popularity and the growing number of DVR features being provided by cable providers, the political ad refusenik class is growing.
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Watch out for Poll Watchers!
The Wall Street Journal writes: "When Americans go to vote tomorrow, a new breed of activist will be on guard, monitoring polling stations for everything from voting-machine glitches to long lines to registration snafus."
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And the News ...
Greetings. There were two instructive articles in the Wa Post that I wanted to share with you today ... YouTube? It's So YesterdayWith fewer viewers watching campaign ads on TV -- thanks to Tivo, iTunes and Netflix -- politicians will soon have no choice but to place themselves and their messages directly into popular shows, movies and video games. There'll be more McCain-style political cameos, as well as campaign ads on buses or buildings in the background of popular shows. Oh, Get Over It! Robo-Dialing Is a Valid Tool... I am aware that people are annoyed by robo-dials and perceive them as a waste of time and effort. But such arguments betray a lack of serious consideration of the reason they are used and of the larger principles they represent.
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The worst political investment
Is funding your own campaign smart? Not according to this article: At first blush, the record of candidates who have poured $5 million or more of their own money into a race might be seen as 'pathetic,' argues Jennifer Steen, an expert on self-funding candidates at Boston College. Candidates who self-fund may think they don't have to fundraise, but when people donate to you, they are investing in your campaign (and will certainly vote for you). The bottom line is that -- no matter how much money you've got -- it's a hard business -- and you've still got to work hard.
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Lexicon of Politics
Talk-Show Campaign n. electioneering made (at least in part) of interviews or appearances on television and radio talk show, and in other forms of popular entertainment.2004 Washington Post (Feb. 6) 18: Clinton pioneered the talk show campaign in 1992, trading barbs with radio host Don Imus and playing the sax on Arsenio Hall's show.
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The 7 rules to obey
Salena Zito of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has posted an article outlining 7 rules a candidate can't break (if he or she wishes to win). Hat tip to FreePa.org for spotting this article!
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Politics & Technology ...
Ad Week has an article about micro-targeting, titled: Why the candidates watch what you buy. Online Media Daily has a good article titled: "Candidates Click Into Interactive Tactics." Here's an excerpt: "... we have seen a seismic shift in the online world--a transition that took political campaigns and advocacy organizations from a dependence on text-heavy, 'static' Web sites and vaulted them into the dynamic world of blogs and vlogs, RSS feeds and news aggregators, social networks, video and photo-sharing, mashups and video e-mail." The NY Times reports an effort by liberals to manipulate Google rankings to highlight unfavorable articles about Republicans. It's called, " Google Bombing." The liberal New Politics Institute is encouraging their readers to "immediately adopt a handful of these new but proven (political) tools." The tools are: buy cable, engage the blogs, use search, and speak in Spanish. Well, I'm encouraging you to learn this stuff, too.
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