Start laying the groundwork for an election debacle, where nobody knows when or where they vote, or even if they can, unless they are Republicans. Amplify the resulting chaos by any means. Claim voter fraud where ever you lose, sue everybody, demand recount after recount after recount. Hopefully, you can generate enough shit, smoke and mirrors to get the election decided by the House of Representatives, or, that old standby, the Supreme Court.
At 538, Romney’s odds are 16%. At intrade they are 25%. The first debate is this week, so methinks it’s a little early to call the race for Obama.
Ok, now say the date is Oct 8, and things haven’t improved substantially for Romney. What to do? I’m not licking my chops here, as I know that someday the Dems (and the Republicans) will be in worse shape: if the economy roars during an election year and peacetime, the incumbent will win.
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Keep your dignity. Among other things, that means working hard on the campaign - as all candidates tend to do. Most humans lack the physical stamina of an Obama, or a Romney, or a McCain, or a GWBush or a Clinton…
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If the race is unwinnable - as it was for Mondale in 1984, but not for Romney in 2012 - look to the long game. Think about helping out in the down ticket races. Set up the “I told you so”- though that will require some talented staffers. As knowledge about the importance of the election year economy continues to trickle down, surely there will be members of the party faithful who can be corralled to cheer you on in a few events. Do that. It makes for good TV imagery and props the brand. Hammer the one or two points that you want people to remember – but be wary that if they are associated with your loss, they may become toxic. So choose them carefully. I’m not sure how to square that circle.
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As it is, we are still in RickJay’s world IMHO, not in scenario 2 above.
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If you are a careerist staffer, leak to the media to make sure your fingerprints are not on this loss. Done.
ETA: Post 7000 for MfM! ETA2: :o
Obviously I would just “unskew” the polls showing that I am down. Why would I let such blatant lies about my odds of getting elected continue, when we all *know *how much everyone hates the other guy. Obviously, everyone must be planning on voting for me.
Throw all of your money into the red states to push up the popular vote.
Win the popular vote and claim victory.
Crane
Neither do you, if you think that populism is somehow a strategy that can turn elections around for underdog candidates.
Right in the middle of the first debate I’d say this.