The Writ Ep. 145: Behind the scenes on the last days of a campaign
Apr 23, 2025
Laura D'Angelo, a seasoned Liberal strategist, Melanie Paradis, former communications director for the Conservatives, and Cheryl Oates, ex-communications chief for Alberta's Rachel Notley, dive into the chaotic final days of a political campaign. They discuss the rush of creating impactful ads, balancing data with messaging, and the essential strategies for maximizing voter turnout. Personal stories reveal the tensions of election day logistics and the emotional stakes involved, underscoring the necessity of preparation for any outcome.
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Rapid Last-Minute Campaign Ads
- Last-minute campaign ads are produced extremely rapidly, often within 24 hours, including casting, shooting, and editing.
- These ads target specific demographics clearly and reflect a swift strategic pivot rather than routine planning.
Complex Leader Tour Logistics
- Leaders' final tour schedules balance covering the whole country with targeting competitive ridings.
- Logistics such as airplane contract flying hours heavily influence the route and timing of these tours.
Final Week Events Build Momentum
- Final week campaign events, or whistle stops, prioritize visual impact and momentum over policy announcements.
- Such stops are designed for media shots and sustaining energy rather than substantive political messaging.