On candidate statements and the writing thereof: An open, non-partisan letter

[missroserose]

Dear Arizona (and everywhere else) political candidates:

I don't care which party you're affiliated with or what position you're running for, but for the love of all that is holy, when you're writing your candidate statements, please don't:

• Refer to vague bogeymen such as "special interest groups".  What does that even mean?  Be specific.
• Trash your predecessor, especially over things that weren't their fault.  That's just bad form.
• PUT PHRASES OR ENTIRE SENTENCES in all caps.  Every fourteen-year-old Internet user knows not to do that if you want to be taken seriously.
• Make the entire thing a string of cliches.  We've all heard the slogans; this is your chance to stand out.

Instead, try these:

• Tell us about your qualifications for the job, be they education-based or experience-based.
• Talk about verifiable, concrete accomplishments - preferably ones you personally contributed to, not just your party.
• Tell us why you're interested in running for office.
• Give us some of your goals for your district/state, both short and long term.

Yes, I realize this is only going to appeal to the minority of voters who actually try to make informed, nonpartisan decisions, but do you really think the people who respond to fearmongering and sloganeering are going to bother to read your statements anyway?  Every vote helps, and that includes smart peoples', too.

Comments

[ivy]

Every vote helps, and that includes smart peoples', too.

Hahaha. I can't help but wonder if somehow it is conferring a stats advantage to take the stupid vague route. Does being specific and helpful lose them more votes than it gains them somehow?

[roseneko.livejournal.com]

It's certainly a possibility, especially when it comes to talking points - your opponents can't nail you down on a point if they can't figure out what your point is. But you also risk alienating voters by being seen as too vague and undefined, or even worse, being unmemorable. It's a tricky balance to strike, appealing to as many people as possible.