The class discussed the steps that a candidate takes when
they are considering a run for the presidency.
1.
Announce the desire to run for office
2.
See if they will be able to get support. The
states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina would be especially important
to get as they vote first in the primary elections.
3.
Once support is assured, financial donations
must be sought. These can come from several places;
a.
The candidate’s personal funds
b.
Outside donations
i.
Small amounts from “ordinary people”
ii.
Large amounts from “big donors”
4.
Announce official candidacy and assemble their
team.
5.
Begin the physical campaign
a.
Create/state the platform they are running on. A
platform is the candidate’s own opinions on where he or she stands on foreign
and domestic issues.
b.
Enter and participate in debates with other
candidates
c.
Travel the country to meet people and get their
message out so that the voters will get to know them and what they stand for.
This is where the people can ask questions of each candidate.
The Iowa Caucus is the event where representatives of each
candidate meet in groups to try and persuade voters to vote for their
candidate.
The NH Primary election is where registered voters in NH go
to the polls in their community and vote. They have to vote within the party
that they are registered for.
The Role of the Media
The media is supposed to report on each of the candidates
and their platforms. Reporting is supposed to be fair, neutral and balanced.
Editorials are the places within the paper where the writers can air their
opinions.
