1/ Read @davidcorndc about something that's always true, but maybe more true this time than previous elections. Voters—or at least most of them—don't just chose by a policy "lane." motherjones.com/politics/2020/…
@DavidCornDC 2/ Which makes sense, in that a candidate's policy lane is subject to the support of Congress and ultimately voters. Any of the sweeping changes people want, will be subject to a lot of compromise, deal-making, and whatever craziness the world throws at us.
@DavidCornDC 3/ Which also means that the policy purists are subject to more of a certain kind of disappointment, even if their ideal candidate gets elected.
But also ability to push through an agenda is determined (such as it can be) by other leadership skills, persuasion, trading, etc.
But also ability to push through an agenda is determined (such as it can be) by other leadership skills, persuasion, trading, etc.
@DavidCornDC 4/ And voters also pick along "identity" lines. Who represents me?
But also along psychographic qualities: warmth, strength, stridency, humor, smarts.
But also along psychographic qualities: warmth, strength, stridency, humor, smarts.
@DavidCornDC 5/ Anyway, througout this race the most interesting polling has been: "who's your second favorite candidate?"
Far less of it seems determined by policy platforms than one might assume.
Far less of it seems determined by policy platforms than one might assume.
@DavidCornDC 6/ Which is why it is especially unstrategic to constantly incinerate the candidates that you don't like as much as yours, and really dumb to go after their supporters.
Think caucus realignments, but on a national stage. Only a few people are going to get their first choice.
Think caucus realignments, but on a national stage. Only a few people are going to get their first choice.
@DavidCornDC 7/ @AOC, for example, clearly supports Bernie first. But knows better than to viciously attack other candidates or their supporters, both because it would not reflect well on that campaign AND anyone 1000% better than Trump motherjones.com/2020-elections…
