Primary Presidential Elections

I. Invisible Primary (media primary) Prior to the actual voting, potential candidates compete to raise money and get media attention. 1. Social Media is also Becoming important.

B. Candidates must hire people for the following positions B. Candidates must hire people for the following positions. -campaign manager -fundraiser -pollster -media consultant

II. Early Primary States States with early primaries or caucuses receive a lot of attention from the media and candidates spend a lot of time in these states. -Candidates who don’t do well in these states usually drop out -Many complain that these states are not representative of the national parties. -Many argue that beating expectations is more important than winning in these states.

III. Media Candidates attempt to control the flow of information Must decide when and where to spend money Must decide when and if to go negative

IV. National Convention -Unifies the party -Adoption of platform - Decisions are made ahead of time mostly pep rally for the party