Thursday, December 3, 2015

A look at the campaigns of the the 2016 Presidential Candidates

It has been interesting to observe the different Presidential Aspirants and their varied strategies to garner support.  I don't consider myself an expert in political campaigns but I have been privy to some campaigns giving me enough sensitivity to detect nuances in what the various camps communicate. Instead of doing a politics of obstruction and vote buying, the campaign teams should work on genuine public support by clearly communicating the unique selling proposition of their candidate. Buying votes and obstruction are indicative of the lack of creativity the campaign have.  They should not aim to merely have votes but rather aim to have an army of campaigners.  They should work giving people a powerful "Second Moment of Truth"..

 Here are some of my opinions regarding the various campaigns:

1.) Mar Roxas -  I think the campaign strategist are trying to make him something he's not.  It appears to be a rehash of the "Mr. Palengke" approach that hurt him bad in the last election.  Why do they try to make him a man of the masses when he is not.  There's also the "Tuwid na Daan" message that associates him with the current administration.  It would be better if he built on the tradition of his family.  How his grandfather labored for the independence of your country. How his father stood for the principles of liberty during Martial law. Building on this, he could say that he is ready to lead the country into a new era of economic prosperity, security and stability guided by the principles his family fought for.  The emphasis of his campaign should be more on the economic and financial aspect because that is what he is known for.

2.) Jejomar Binay -  It is quite challenging to manage his campaign because of the corruption allegations looming over his head.  Nevertheless, his campaign should be focused on human rights and social justice. He should highlight opportunities to solve human rights and social justice problems in our current political landscape.  The more radical and difficult the problem, the better.  It has to be good enough to overshadow the  corruption debacle. 

3.) Grace Poe -  Sen Poe's campaign has been put on the defensive because of her citizenship and residency being questioned.  Her campaign should use this to her advantage.  She can use her experience being a foundling and adopted by her parents as a springboard for her campaign. She should cast a vision of a more compassionate administration that takes care of the people.  With her as President,  the Filipino will now have a country that truly is their home.  Our previous women Presidents were not successful in communicating a mother persona for the country. 

4.) Rodrigo Duterte - Among all the candidates, his is a campaign with a clear consistent message.  His campaign is believable and gives the impression that it is intertwined with his person.  Mayor Duterte's campaign is peace and order and the elimination of corruption. It is also backed by a track record that consistently delivered this promise. His cursing the Pope, communicates he does not respect any as far as public welfare in concerned. Flaunting his womanizing appreas to be a strategy to belittle a weakness in order to put focus on the campaign promise.  What the public perceives as faux pas and incidents of miss-speaking are actually opportunities to strengthen Mayor Duterte's eccentricities differentiating himself from the other candidates.  My advice to his people, leave him to direct his own campaign. By doing so he appears more genuine and flawed making him even more credible as a leader to the populace. 

There you have it...I  wish all candidates the best in their campaigns.


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