THE MOORE BUTTS CONVERSATION #12 -- THE IMPACT OF POLLS
Dec 12, 2023
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James Moore and Gerald Butts discuss the impact of polls on politicians, including demoralizing effects and discrepancies between internal and public polls. They also talk about the significance of focus groups and the impact of polling on fundraising and candidate recruitment. They share advice on running for office and making a successful exit from politics. The speakers discuss the benefits and drawbacks of imposing term limits for politicians and express their excitement for future episodes of the podcast.
Negative poll numbers can demoralize politicians and their teams, leading to doubts and potential party defections.
Being prepared for the challenges and surprises of politics, maintaining a support system, and having a strong sense of purpose are key factors for potential candidates in running for office.
Deep dives
The Impact of Polls on Politicians
Polls can have a significant impact on politicians, both mentally and on their team. The demoralizing effect of seeing negative poll numbers can lead to people questioning their chances of success and breaking away from the party. On the other hand, positive poll numbers can lead to complacency and decreased motivation. Polls also affect fundraising efforts, as they fluctuate with the polling numbers. Overall, while some politicians may try to downplay the importance of polls, they do pay attention to them and the results can influence their decisions and strategies.
Deciding Whether to Run for Office
The decision to run for office is highly personal and requires careful consideration. It is important to have a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful contribution. Potential candidates should be prepared for the challenges and unexpected surprises that come with politics and be able to handle them stoically. It is crucial to have a support system or kitchen cabinet that looks out for the individual's well-being and helps them maintain perspective. It is also advised to write a letter to oneself about why one is running and what success looks like, as a reminder of their motivations and goals.
Knowing When to Leave Politics
Knowing when to leave politics is often a difficult decision for politicians. Staying in politics too long can lead to being out of touch with the real world and blurring personal priorities. It is crucial to recognize when more people want one to stay than want one to leave. Staying too long can result in a loss of focus and serve personal interests rather than the public good. Having mentors who can offer guidance and perspective can help in making the decision to exit politics. Financial considerations should also be taken into account, as staying in politics for too long may impede personal financial planning.
Discussion about Term Limits
While not directly addressed in the podcast episode, the conversation leads to the question of whether term limits could be beneficial in politics. Some examples of politicians who stayed in office for a long time are mentioned, highlighting the experience gained over the years. However, the conversation also touches on the potential downsides of staying in politics for too long and losing touch with reality. The concept of term limits may be worth exploring in order to avoid stagnation and ensure a continuous flow of fresh perspectives and ideas.
James Moore and Gerald Butts are back with us for the Moore Butts Conversation #12. We talk a lot about polls but what happens behind the scenes when the polls are released? What do the public and the press not see when the numbers cause chaos in one party or another? These conversations are one of the reasons The Bridge continues to be ranked #1 by Apple in their lists of which Canadian political podcasts Canadians listen to.
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