John, your list is mostly right. But as a long-time political observer, a key to being elected is likeability/personality has had an outsize influence on voters who tend to be ignorant of key issues and policies other than single-issue voters. Ike over Stevenson, Ragean over Carter and Mondale, W over Gore, trump over Hillary. Clinton over Bush and Dole. Obama over McCain and Romney. Each is a good example of personality over their challenger.
Effective candidates need to be seen to have a 50 state strategy and an Electoral College strategy.
In 2016, Hillary Clinton disdained DNC leader Howard Dean's 50 state strategy which had worked so well for Obama. And in her arrogance also tried building bridges in Texas while ignoring mending fences with Black voters in states like Wisconsin. (Although Jill Stein did her share of damage. Although in Wisconsin Stein had a nano second of chagrin and demanded a recount. Of course, vote splitter Stein is back for a 2024 reelect Trump replay.)
It might be worth thinking through the various things that effective candidates must be seen to do. (This list is probably incomplete.)
1. Raise lots of money.
2. Hold well-attended rallies.
3. Perform well enough in televised debates.
4. TV advertising
5. Extensive nationwide organization with motivated grass-roots supporters.
6. Extend their appeal beyond their base and attract swing voters.
John, your list is mostly right. But as a long-time political observer, a key to being elected is likeability/personality has had an outsize influence on voters who tend to be ignorant of key issues and policies other than single-issue voters. Ike over Stevenson, Ragean over Carter and Mondale, W over Gore, trump over Hillary. Clinton over Bush and Dole. Obama over McCain and Romney. Each is a good example of personality over their challenger.
John, I think you may be showing your age by omitting how political advertising and support is targeted at Gen X-ers and millennials.
I'm guessing because I don't know either, but shouldn't advertising on social media be included?
Absolutely, "TV and internet advertising," and also
"active social media presence"
Effective candidates need to be seen to have a 50 state strategy and an Electoral College strategy.
In 2016, Hillary Clinton disdained DNC leader Howard Dean's 50 state strategy which had worked so well for Obama. And in her arrogance also tried building bridges in Texas while ignoring mending fences with Black voters in states like Wisconsin. (Although Jill Stein did her share of damage. Although in Wisconsin Stein had a nano second of chagrin and demanded a recount. Of course, vote splitter Stein is back for a 2024 reelect Trump replay.)