Lecture 8-3

Choosing a running mate

• Selection of a vice-presidential running mate is one of the most important decisions the newly nominated presidential candidate must make at the convention

• The practice is to attempt to balance the ticket to give the party wider appeal.

Getting elected.

• The electoral college chooses the president

• A majority of electoral votes (270) is needed in order to win.

• Image

• Issues

• Debates

• Campaign strategy and events

The end of the campaign trail

• On the national level, American vote only for a president and a vice president.

• Indirectly they pick an entire government: the hundreds of noncivil service employees the president will appoint who will oversee the operations of the national government

Reforming presidential campaigns

• Some believe certain regulations should be put on the media, given the media’s importance in presidential elections.

• Campaign financing should exclude contributions from political action committees.

Reforming presidential campaigns

• Electoral reforms suggested include a shorter campaign cycle and fewer primaries and caucuses

• The electoral college worries many people who favor direct popular election or some other major change.

The Candidate’s Perspective: Running for Congress

Campaign finance

• Running for congress requires large sums of money

• PACs are important sources of such funds

Incumbency is an enormous advantage for congressional candidates.

Party identification strongly influences some how people

Presidential “coattails” gives only a small advantage at best.

Reforming congressional elections

• Limits on PAC contributions

• Shorter campaigns

• Longer terms for House members