If you live in Ontario you know that there is an election right around the corner. Ontarian’s go to the polls on Thursday, June 7th, and if anything can be said about this election is that its been a lesson in leadership missteps.
Regardless, there are two factors that determine who wins an election. It doesn’t matter provincial or federal, these hold true. Further, it doesn’t’t matter what part of the world an election is being held, these two still play a major role.
In watching the political machines over the years, I’ve noticed that the party that manages these two factors the best, end up taken the podium. Primarily because the management of these two factors ultimately are on the minds of voters the most. We often think that ‘issues’ are what matter to people, but I think that is fundamentally flawed. Its essentially what’s behind the issues that needs to be addressed, and that’s where the astute politician gains their greatest traction with voters.
So, what are the two factors that are key for every political win? Here they are, but one last thing. Remember these as you watch the results of the election and ask yourself what role they played in the win?
Here are the two critical factors.
1. They Learn How to Best Manage the Fear Factor
Any platform that elevates the fear factor is a surefire ticket to losing. Ever hear the adage, “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t?” That is why Incumbents have an advantage over others vying for their jobs.
When political opponents propose slash and burn policies and create negativity among voters, it heightens the fear factor among voters. People became more fearful of a province run by the opposing parties than a province run by the Liberals who…..(sorry, but you can fill in the remainder of the sentence yourself).
Never underestimate the power of fear. It is the main reason the Conservatives lost the last election. They should have known they were in trouble when every major union took ads to counter the PC message. A message that was all about slash and burn which ultimately evoked a sense of doubt for the future and the fear that goes along with it. Which leads to my next point.
2. They Learn How to Best Manage the Hope Factor
Why do so many campaigns tout the message of change! Because, when an electorate has grown weary of a present government, change is equal to hope! The only way an incumbent loses is when the hope factor becomes greater than the status-quo.
That is why we are eager to hear platforms and promises. Both are messengers of political hope, of the potential for better days and a turning of the tide. Hope is always what resonates in a voter’s mind because its such an antidote to fear.
The like-ability of a particular candidate is often framed in terms of integrity, trust, etc., but for me, those are code words for hope. The more a candidate exhibits those qualities, the more they are working for our benefit, for our future, and for the improvement of the world we live in. Not just for power and self-advancement.
Those are my two critical factors. I know I have been watching intently and look forward to seeing if my predication for Ontario is correct. Please take time to vote!
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