General Election Prep Tips for Political Junkies: Part II

LibertySugar — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:00:07 -0700

Yesterday I suggested that undecided voters and staunch supporters alike add Barack Obama's and John McCain's books to their summer reading lists, while mixing up their campaign information sources. Here are some other tips for surviving the marathon general election campaign.

Tip #3: Articulate questions you would want to ask the candidates. And then try to listen for or search out the answers in the swell of media coverage. This way you write your own campaign narrative, without being a hostage of the sensationalized media. Sources that will help you include: Fact Check and On the Issues.
Tip #4: Define why you like your candidate in positive terms. If you're passionate, and want to convince your undecided peers to support your guy, they'll be more receptive if you share why you're excited about one candidate, instead of attacking the other guy. Figure out a couple of concrete accomplishments that make you want to vote for McCain or Obama.

Do you have any tips to share?

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General Election Prep Tips For Political Junkies: Part I

LibertySugar — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:00:07 -0700

The Fourth of July Summer break is the perfect time to gear up for the Fall's sure-to-be-whirlwind presidential campaign. I have a couple of tips for you on how to transition from the hectic primary season to the general campaign marathon. They should help the entrenched supporter as well as the undecided voter.

Tip #1: Pick up the candidates' books. Let Barack Obama and John McCain tell you their stories. McCain's well-received Faith of My Fathers ends with his release from POW camp. You might also consider McCain's Hard Call: The Art of Great Decisions. Obama, also down with the father-title theme, has put out Dreams of My Father (a memoir about race and community) and The Audacity of Hope (a book about his vision for America). The books were written before McCain and Obama could predict the twists and turns of this campaign season, so they offer a relatively unfiltered account of their lives and world views.
Tip #2: Mix up your news source. It's always good to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. So conservatives pick up a NY Times and you libs flip to Fox News. If you read the New York Times surf on over to the Wall Street Journal. Trade in Anderson Cooper for Keith Olbermann one night. Not only could you see what your political opponents have to say, you may also learn something new. Of course, come back to CitizenSugar and share your new perspective with all of us!

I'll have more tips for you all tomorrow, so check back!

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General Election Prep Tips for Political Junkies: Part II

General Election Prep Tips For Political Junkies: Part I