COM 280T:  Political Communication

In-class writing, analysis and discussion assignment #1

Work in  your campaign groups to address the following scenario.  We will reconvene class at 12:15pm (or sooner if you get done quickly) to discuss your responses.  The team that has the “better” (in my humble opinion) response will see a boost in the polls (or a drop in the polls of the opponent.)  Each group will be judged on their written response as well as the discussion that follows.  You may use your books (Powell Ch. 7 will be useful), including “The Campaign Manager,” as well as all other materials in the room and in the library to assist your analysis.  Please justify whatever strategy you select.

Your opponent has put out at TV ad accusing your candidate of “being for sale to the highest bidder” in the political fund-raising wars.  The irony is that your opponent holds the record for most money raised for a candidate in their current/previous office.  What should your campaign do:

1.      Make a TV ad attacking your opponent for being a hypocrite

2.      Make a TV ad that says your opponent is making false claims about you to hide his/her poor record on the issues that matter to the people of the district.

3.      Attack your opponent for having a poor record on the issues that matter to the people using a series of press conferences.

4.      Ignore your opponent’s attacks.

5.      ???