Centrist/Moderate/Reformer Candidates…Take Note

When it comes to communicating with voters, it’s the quality stupid.

From Political Wire:

One of the most important things to do on a campaign is to target your resources. Target your time. Target your money. And target your message. Don’t try to “sell” a 30 year-old father of two the same way you “sell” a 75 year-old grandmother of ten. Ask yourself, “How does this policy/issue impact this voter?” Then, tailor your message for that person or representative group of people. Trying to sell your candidacy to everyone the same way ultimately means you won’t sell your candidacy to anyone.

Yes, this is what the media calls “spin.” Don’t worry, though, the rest of the world calls it good communication. It’s not about changing your position to fit your audience, that’s pandering. It’s about changing the focus of your message to fit your audience.

You may think these are very “duh” types of observations, but how of you have been guilty in your professional life of not realizing who your audience was before you began talking about something? Now consider a politician and how many different groups they have to talk to. It’s not easy, and the more they can keep on top of this type of thing, the better off their messaging will be, the better off their campaign will be and etc. etc. etc.

So all of you centrist/moderate/reformer candidates our there who are looking to move the political needle this fall, do take note.

Oh, and visit Political Wire often. It’s one of the best blogs around about state and national politics.