There is no policy without victory. More precisely, well-planned and well-executed political campaigns win elections and make governing possible. Therefore, an understanding of government must first be grounded in an understanding of campaigns and elections. This course will introduce you to the art and science of political campaigning. Topics to be covered will include crafting a message, scheduling and time management, research, issues, polling, speeches, debates, working with the press, identifying, differentiating and targeting voters, coalitions and interest groups, budgeting and fundraising, field organization, crisis management, the political environment, and Get Out The Vote efforts. The class will combine lecture with discussion, supplemented with occasional guest lecturers. Students will write, present and defend a campaign plan.
