Forwarding the Conversation

How to Win in the Age of Obama:

Inspired by “How to Beat a Republican” by Rahm Emanuel

Start with Your Plan and Stick to it…

After eight years of George W. Bush in the White House, the American people are ready for a different type of leadership. People are tired of “divide and conquer” politics and rigid adherence to ideology. In the midst of one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression, the American people are looking for solutions that work.

Barring another terrorist attack on American soil, the next four years are all about the economy. Anyone who can coherently link their ideas/issues with job-creation and economic growth will be successful. Partisan games will not be tolerated. Right now there is a four-year window for ambitious overhauls of arcane institutions and social programs. The American people have lost faith in their governing structures, and are ready for their leaders to make a major investment in the long-term health of this country.

On issues ranging from infrastructure to healthcare, social security to education people are worried about their children’s future. This desire for solutions translates to an electorate with no patience for partisan rhetoric or negative campaigning. There will always be candidates willing to tap into people’s fears and biases to get elected, but in the Age of Obama practicality trumps the status quo.

A Winning Roadmap.

No two districts or races are the same. Be wary of comparisons to races of the past because you are running on the present and future. Meet voters where they are both physically and mentally. Always stay within yourself by knowing who you are and who you are not.

Always Look Forward. Always keep proposals, solutions, and rhetoric forward-looking. Stay away from the arguments of yesterday by always looking for new ways to frame the issues.  Instead of “restoring” Medicaid cuts, talk about cutting costs by tapping into new investments in promising technologies. You will never please everyone, but people respect “common sense” solutions.

Use Common Sense. Everyone wants what is best for the country, and most individuals subscribe to a particular ideological framework. Use your opponent’s record of partisanship as leverage to contrast your record of finding real solutions for real people. Nobody will vote for the Democrat or Republican who toes party-line when a proven reformer is on the ballot. When dealing with systemic issues like education or healthcare reform leave all options on the table. Use a “whatever it takes” approach to solving problems.

 Listen. Meet people where they are and give them a voice in the campaign. Invite input and feedback by giving voters access to all members of the staff and the candidate. Once you have gathered voices use them in the formulation of strategy and policy.  Once you have figured out what you want to say, tests it out. The key is listening; people want to feel like they are a part of something. Listening is an invitation to possibility.

Be Inclusive. Barack Obama takes office with approval ratings in the high 70% range because of his willingness to work with whoever shares his vision. Democrats, Republicans and all those in-between have different solutions to problems, and it is vital to make sure that all are included in the process. Remember that people are looking for solutions and neither party has all the right answers. Take the best ideas from both sides of the aisle and make them your own.

Utilize Technology. Do not simply adhere to the Obama technology/organizing model. Add to that model by taking advantage of new technologies and tactics. Know your own strengths and weaknesses; Obama’s campaign was partly successful due to cult of personality. In your online organizing know that what worked for Obama may not work for you.  Find creative ways to use existing online networks to spread your message and engage people. Remember that it’s important to invite people into your process.

Select a Committed Staff. Even with the best campaign plan there is no replacing committed, hardworking, campaign staff. Beware of high profile consultants. They may have a lot of interesting ideas, but in most cases they will not be around when the rubber meets the road. A committed group staff will be there for you through good times and bad. They will make some mistakes, and by the end of the campaign they will reward your investment, in them, with loyalty – one of the scarcest commodities in politics.

Run to Govern. Always remember that once the campaign is over that you have to govern. Know what you want to achieve before you even begin the campaign. This will give you a clear picture of the campaign that you want to run. Never do anything on the trail that will jeopardize you or your opponent’s ability to govern. Always remember you are running to be a public servant. 

Why Should I Vote for You?

The election of Barack Obama will inspire individuals to run for elected office who will unsuccessfully try to replicate his campaign principles and structure. Most will miss the major lessons by focusing on organizing techniques, methods, and style. This leaves a lot of space for candidates who truly understand the basic conceptual framework of the Open Campaign, which has been described above.

The basic question that voters will ask is ‘why should I vote for you?’ Everybody can see that the structures that have governed us for the last 40 years are beginning to crumble. You need to show people that you understand their struggles. Respond to challenges by showing that you have the mental flexibility and acuity to respond to the new challenges just beyond the horizon.

Written by: Ross D. Rocketto