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There aren’t necessarily lots of lessons from US politics for the UK. Totally different systems. Two political cultures divided by a common language, if you like. But these are things that chime with me - & others who have been knee-deep in elections - that I want to remember:
1.Everyone would love to win by a landslide. Cause that would make for an easier polling day wouldn't it? But landslide victories hardly ever happen. Don't even bother factoring it in. And manage expectations. Arrogance doesn't win elections.
2. There is a difference between wanting to win and knowing how to win. Wanting to win is necessary but not sufficient. You don't win elections by proclamation of the rightness of your cause, or by telling others how much you want to win. Again, arrogance doesn't win elections.
3. So you have to figure it out. Target your resources. No campaign is infinite, and we cannot afford to over reach. But a win by 1 percent is still a win. Figure out what your crucial 1pc is.
4. Figure out where your winning 1 pc is, and then organise. Organisation isn't any old activity you can think of (twitter
). It is well-selected to increase turnout, and meets people where they are. Talking with people, *never* talking down to people.
). It is well-selected to increase turnout, and meets people where they are. Talking with people, *never* talking down to people.
5. Leave. It. All. On. The. Pitch. Every bit of effort. Everything you've got. Make sure you have no regrets.
6. Whether you win or lose never ever forget how utterly fortunate we are to participate in a democracy. Public officials who operate a free, fair and transparent system should be thanked at every opportunity.
7. And when you see those votes tipped on to the counting table, don't just count the votes, count your blessings.
/ends
/ends
