Political Campaigning (Tuesday, January 17, 4th Period)

[professor-lyman.livejournal.com]

Josh was snickering at what passed for political coverage in the local Montana papers when his political campaigning class came in.

"Hey guys," he said. "First of all, congratulations to those of you who are now duly elected members of the Student Council." He might be smirking just a little bit as he looked at Angel. "I look forward to napping through all of your meetings as your advisor." He cleared his throat. "Anyway. Today we're talking about how to write a campaign outline." He pointed to his inbox. "Please turn in your preliminary research about your candidates here. And, um," he pointed at random to his class list, then read off the name, "Alanna, how many days do we have until the election?"

He looked around the room. "Okay. Last class I rattled off a whole list of factors that have to be remembered in a campaign. And written down because if it's not on paper it doesn't exist. We've already discussed a bit about the political environment, both nationally and in Montana. Now that you've done a bit more research about your candidates, it's time for you to start coming up with answers to some critical decisions. Break into your groups, and given what you've learned about your guys, please answer me the following questions." He pointed to the board where he'd scrawled:

1. Will you debate your opponent? If you have a primary, will you debate your primary opponent?
2. Will you appear with other members of your party? Montana officials only, or national-level party members as well? Are there certain members in particular you would not invite to help you?
3. How will your candidate address gun-control issues, abortion, prayer in school, the war in Iraq and general thoughts on making Montana safe from terrorism?

Josh sat back down at his desk. "If you have questions, ask. If not, talk amongst yourselves."

Comments

Re: Group discussion: Parker, Callisto, Jake

[psycho-barbie.livejournal.com]

"Considering his habit of putting his foot in his mouth, I'd go with not debate, unless absolutely necessary."

Re: Group discussion: Parker, Callisto, Jake

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"I was kind of thinking that. His record, good and bad, speaks for itself. Changing his opinions at this point would only be seen as catering to fringe voters. It's all been said somewhere already."

Re: Group discussion: Parker, Callisto, Jake

[courier-gavin.livejournal.com]

Jake nodded in agreement.

Re: Group discussion: Parker, Callisto, Jake

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"By that token, we should still prep him. Because there will be impromptu questions, and we may want to change our minds later, if the public gets too demanding-- the opposition would certainly only benefit from a debate."

Re: Group discussion: Parker, Callisto, Jake

[courier-gavin.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, good point, but we definitely don't want to go looking for a debate." Jake poked his notes. "He needs some work in the PC department..."

Re: Group discussion: Parker, Callisto, Jake

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"A lot of work. Okay. Montana politicians, and national-level party members. Given the President's approval rating is hovering around, oh, 30, I don't think we want to identify with Bush too much. He's on the opposite side of our candidate's environmental policies anyway, which is about the only thing I like about him."