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Statecraft
How to Win an Election Against the Communists
Jan 16, 2025
Diego Ruiz, a political strategist with deep experience in US and Central American elections, shares insights from his storied career. He discusses winning strategies for congressional races in Miami and reflects on a presidential election triumph in Nicaragua, revealing how unconventional tactics, like leveraging celebrities, influenced voter turnout. Additionally, he explores the concept of 'burrowing in' within civil service and advocates for a model based on military base closures to enhance governmental efficiency.
44:10
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Quick takeaways
- Diego Ruiz highlights the importance of grassroots mobilization and innovative tactics in winning elections against authoritarian regimes, as illustrated by the Nicaraguan elections.
- The podcast discusses how the Base Realignment and Closure Commission serves as a model for effectively implementing governmental reforms despite political resistance.
Deep dives
Diego Ruiz's Career Journey
Diego Ruiz reflects on his initial foray into politics while working for Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Latina elected to Congress. He recounts how he assumed the role of youth director during her special election campaign in 1989, emphasizing the significance of ethnicity and changing demographics in Miami at that time. The campaign journey involved engaging youth volunteers through innovative guerrilla media tactics that notably increased visibility, even resulting in coverage by major outlets like USA Today. This experience greatly influenced Diego’s understanding of electoral politics and ignited his passion for further political engagement.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode