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Politicking through Maxims Sunday, May 4, 2008 By David J. Sanders With the May 20 primaries and judicial elections looming, political candidates for the various offices, along with their help, are scrambling to pick up whatever edge can be gained in the campaign's remaining days. It's hard work, and the rest of us receive the fruits of their labors. Campaign mailers, push cards and yard signs have begun appearing along with weary-eyed volunteers and energetic candidates who show up on your doorstep asking for your vote. So, for those of you with worn shoe leather from countless miles walked and carpel-tunnel syndrome from all the glad-handing, this column is for you. I was once like you, but both my machinations for elected office and desire to work for those who seek validation at the ballot box subsided years ago. During my 20s, I soaked up every bit of political wisdom I could by reading biographies of famous politicos and from archived news stories from high profile races. I'd order demo reels from media consultants and then study countless hours of political advertisements in an attempt to figure out how to improve upon their work. Whenever I'd get the chance - usually while attending conferences aimed a teaching the ins-and-outs of campaign mechanics - I'd chat up pollsters and political consultants, peppering them with questions, hoping to glean an extra helping of political wisdom. But, out of all that I have picked up over the years, it was an 8-by-10 frame containing an exhaustive list of political maxims, which I valued most. Here's a sampling: ?Don't fire all your ammunition at once. -Don't get mad except on purpose. -Sound doctrine is sound politics. -You have your word and your friends; go back on either and you're dead. -Keep your eye on the main goal and don't stop to kick every barking dog. -Remember, the other side has troubles, too. -Hire at least as many to the right of you as to the left of you. -You can't save the world if you can't pay the rent. -All gains are incremental; some increments aren't gains. -An ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness. -Remember, it's a long ball game. -The test of moral ideas is moral results. -You can't beat somebody with nobody. -Choose your enemies as carefully as you choose your friends. -Nothing moves unless pushed. -Winners aren't perfect. They make fewer mistakes than their rivals. -One big reason is better than many little reasons. -In moments of crisis, the initiative passes to those who are best prepared. -Moral outrage is the most powerful motivating force in politics. -Pray as if it all depended on God; work as if it all depended on you. The author is Morton C. Blackwell, a former aide to President Ronald Reagan, who after leaving the White House, committed himself to organizing and training, what was then a new generation of conservatives who would impact the political landscape. He continues his work outside Washington. But, not only have I made use of his political wisdom over the years; I have tried to add to it: -Likeability precedes electability. -Enthusiasm and sincerity are too rare a combination. -Surprises are dangerous. -Attack your opponent with something substantive every chance you get. -Pettiness is always recognized. -Demonstrate courage rather than talk about it. -Never ignore or patronize children. -Silver bullets rarely exist. -Steady shotgun fire does more damage than a rifle shot. -A phone call is better than a press release. -Once a negative story makes it onto the evening news, it's too late. -Procrastination wastes your most valuable commodity. -Nothing is ever as good as it seems. -Nothing is ever as bad as it seems. -Issues are important, but labels are essential. -A compelling narrative almost always beats a well-written policy paper. -Brilliantly crafted speeches usually aren't brilliant. -Brevity is underrated. Now, get back to work. ------- David Sanders writes twice weekly for the Arkansas News Bureau in Little Rock and is a host of the Arkansas Education Television Network's "Unconventional Wisdom." His e-mail address is DavidJSanders@aol.com. |
