Political Theory The specific political theory that the Dukakis campaign corresponds to will be the instrumental-oriented approach. The instrumental-oriented approach is one that tries to correspond to tracking polls and public opinion changes as a means of crafting an image that individuals will buy in the voting booth (Henneberg, 2009). The Dukakis campaign used this strategy in the sense of having Dukakis go to a defense plant in Michigan to ride in a tank to combat images that he was soft on defense. Unfortunately it was seen as more of a political gaff, than shaping new opinion on his defense skills. Additionally, Dukakis would spend the bulk of his debate preparation to focus on the issue of Willie Horton and the death penalty, but the …show more content…
All of these central issues came from one major source, his record as Governor of Massachusetts. As Governor of Massachusetts, he refused to sign a bill requiring teachers to lead the pledge, he opposed the death penalty which Bush would use to great advantage including the debates, the weekend passes that would allow Willie Horton to get out and attack a man and rape his girlfriend, and his wife rumored to have burned an American flag during the Vietnam War. He tried to counter these in the debate with a question on the death penalty and the hypothetical rape of his wife, however his answers appeared cold and analytical which did not allow him to overcome the perceptions that Bush had crafted in his campaign message. With the defense issue, he tried to come out with a strong defense program in a policy speech in September of 1988, but the contents of the speech would allow him to be attacked as wanting to give up the Reagan defense policy that was showing real results in ending the Cold War (Sullivan, 1992). Coupled with that, Dukakis tried a photo op with a M1 Abrams tank in Michigan, but would come off as goofy and small. The strong political winds would stem from a popular President and a strong economy which he could not overcome, because of Bush’s connection with that success, thus Dukakis had to run on other issues to make his case. Lastly, Dukakis was an individual that tried to take a moral high ground in his campaigning, but he was up against an opponent that would use any means necessary to win. Additionally, Bush was surrounded by individuals such as Lee Atwater that would use dishonest methods as a means of crafting narratives of Dukakis in the minds of voters (Bartlett, 2016). Furthermore, Dukakis refused to go negative against the Bush which would give Bush multiple openings that Dukakis refused to respond to in the
Hardball: How Politics is Played Told by One Who Knows the Game by Christopher Matthews compares politics to a game played by individuals seeking to gain and maintain power. Matthews defines hardball as “clean, aggressive Machiavellian politics. It is the discipline of gaining and holding power, useful to any profession or undertaking, but practiced more openly and unashamedly in the world of public affairs,” (13). Matthews offers maxims to explain tactics and truths that better a person’s position in the game of politics. These maxims include “It’s Better to Receive than Give”, “Keep Your Enemies in Front of You”, and “Hang a Lantern on Your Problem”. These three maxims have proven successful in bringing success to those who utilized the tactic.
Rick Santorum’s departure heralded the beginning of the general election. Mitt Romney, with the backing of the Republican establishment, and the growing support of the base, can now devote his resources for a one on one showdown against President Barack Obama. Recent polls indicate that he is behind by only a few points in a head to head match-up against the President. High employment rate, skyrocketing gas prices, ballooning national debt, and an exhausting war in Afghanistan created animosity against the President’s administration. Therefore, the President must decisively address these issues in the months ahead to ensure reelection. He must pull the jobless rate below 8%, and lower the price of fuel. The President must not prolong the war in Afghanistan and must not escalate tension with Iran. In essence, a President seeking reelection will need to embody Niccolo Machiavelli’s acumen and Desiderius Erasmus’ deferential image. Now, I will outline what the President must do to handily beat Romney.
Explaining Policy Differences Using Political Culture. "West Texas A&M University. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. http://www.wtamu.edu/~jrausch/polcul.html "THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC MILIEU OF TEXAS POLITICS."
In this essay, I will explain why Texas should retain the partisan election of judges. Texas is one of the few states that elect their judges using a Partisan voting method. Partisan elections can be unfair and can misinform the voter. A high legal position such as a judge should never be chosen in such a manner. Partisan elections often cost more than nonpartisan elections in campaigning. Partisan elections are also more likely to lead to straight ticket voting or mindless voting. Partisan elections also lead to more campaign contributions and can increase the power of constituencies. Lastly partisan elections can cause an imbalance in equal represent the population. Therefore, Partisanship voting does not belong in the courts of Texas and
Harry S Truman and Dwight David Eisenhower were both Presidents of the United States from the 1940s to 1950s, with the latter succeeding Truman. Both these presidents served two consecutive terms, despite the fact that Truman’s first term was given by default as the result of a misfortune, which brought him the nickname of ‘Accidental President’, and the suspicion and doubt by many of his capabilities as President. Truman and Eisenhower are both from the South, though both were born into considerably poor families, Truman had actually experienced poverty whereas Eisenhower was more privileged, to receive a more sheltered beginning; their social background influenced greatly their general belief and stance, enactment of policies, and their views on domestic affairs. Despite their social setback, Truman endeavoured in law and politics, and became a career politician during the Interbellum period, whilst Eisenhower a career soldier, who rose to prominence and became a General known for his planning of Operation Overlord, factoring greatly into his likeness and favourability by Americans, yet showed him as an inexperienced politician. Truman and Eisenhower were of opposing parties, yet Eisenhower had no political stance originally, it was only after his siding with the Republican party that he received the nickname, the ‘Middle Road’, due to the moderate political stance and likeness by both parties he had despite his party affiliation, Eisenhower’s liberal side showed particularly in his actions concerning healthcare, education and welfare, such as his expansion of Social Security, which similarly paralleled Truman’s attitudes towards social welfare. Despite such si...
After this thorough analysis of broadcasts from both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party televised during the 2008 presidential election campaign, we can identify the most popular types of argumentative informal fallacies and how they can serve to appeal or attack the ethos, pathos and logos of an argument or the arguer himself or herself. It is important for the American electorate to be able to recognize them and dismiss them promptly, to abstain from making a decision as important as selecting the new president of the United States based on false or illogical arguments. Unfortunately, political parties and interest groups will continue to take advantage of these fallacies, it is up to the public to think critically in order to avoid being wrongly influenced or misguided by them. Works Cited BarackObamadotcom. James Taylor for Obama.
When discussing the new science of politics laid out in the Federalist papers, it is imperative to understand that proponents of the Constitution had various reasons for writing these papers, not the least of which was convincing critics that a strong central government that would not oppress but actually protect individual freedoms as well as encouraging the state of New York to agree to ratify the Constitution.
The Article 'The Permanent Campaign'; takes a look at the way the American political system has evolved over the years. When George Washington was president he did not campaign any before he was put in office. When he was in office he only made a few public appearances and when he did he didn't speak a word. During Washington's era political campaigning was considered undignified.
In the United States we are divided by the left and right side on the political spectrum; even further divided into political parties such as Republicans, on the right, and Democrats, on the left side. These two political parties show philosophical differences through their viewpoints on major topics such as the economy, separation of church and state, abortion, and gun control.
For the 2004 presidential election, Republican president George W. Bush is attempting to defend his post and reassure the American people that his political choices are the best for our country. His opponent, Democratic senator John Kerry believes that his political ideas will be better for a changing America. Four main topics debated on by the candidates are: Homeland Security, Civil Rights, Education (no child left behind), and the Economy. The two candidates have differing views on most of these topics. President George W. Bush believes that we need to stay our course. With military action in Iraq, Bush is confident that in the next four years as president he will strengthen Homeland Security, improve our schools with higher standards for teachers, and boost our economy. John Kerry however, believes that he has a better plan for “strength and security,” “world class education for all,” and “a stronger economy.” Never before have preliminary polls shown a closer presidential race. With this paper I plan to separate the candidates and prove that there is a better candidate.
Political machines were supported by continuing immigration, sustained by patronage, enlarged by wealth, and in the end were weeded out by reformers progress for public rather than private good, and caused by the need for public works and skilled workers, after the population of cities expanded.
Political conflicts regarding oversight are becoming a common occurrence in Washington, but have you stepped back and analyzed why this is? These unnecessary strangle hold on the democratic process are due to a few common practices, party politics, a deference to the Executive Branch, and prioritizing voter concerns with wasteful government spending. Some cause more problems than others, but overall these are the three biggest causes. Party politics prevents Congressmen and Senators alike from rearing off the path of their political party stance. We also see voters own ignorance as a big part of the government waste problem. Many like to complain about problems in our laws, but then are supportive of the laws when they go through Congress. This makes it very easy to pass laws with waste because they know the general population most of the time will let it slide. If your party holds the presidency, but that president does something that is unconstitutional that party will most likely stand its ground supporting the president. While the Executive Branch is an office that deserves respect, respect cannot get in the way of the Constitution and the laws of the land. No one is above the law, especially people in high office if anything they should be held more accountable due to their importance in American life. Congressional oversight is a major part of the checks and balances system, and if these major problems continue to occur we will see more and more people abuse the American democratic process.
Stonecipher, Harry C. A Place to stand. 21 Debated Issues in American Politics. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2000.
Elazar, Daniel. "Explaining Policy Differences Using Political Culture." Reading. West Texas A&M University. Political Culture Handout. Dr. Dave Rausch, Teel Bivins Professor of Political Science. Web. 23 Mar. 2011. < http://www.wtamu.edu/~jrausch/polcul.html.>
The American Political System The American political system is a federal system, which consists of