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PaperclipPerfector  1mo ago (text post)   2320 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for October 13, 2024

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Does campaigning in swing states make a difference? If so, how? Are there people who weren't planning on voting for Kamala/Trump who suddenly will make the effort just because they delivered a speech somewhere in the state? Or does this effect only work on people who actually show up to campaign rallies? And if so, does it help at all, since I doubt there are truly undecided people who would spend time going to a campaign rally?

And who goes to these rallies/speeches, anyway? What kind of person thinks that's a fun afternoon? I'd rather Google what Trump/Kamala believe, make a decision, and then do pretty much anything else. I'd probably rather go to the dentist to get a cavity filled than sit through a political rally, at least I'll leave the dentist's office better off.

Does anyone go (or know folks IRL who go) to these? Can you explain why? And do they really increase voter turnout or generate new votes?

I know a guy who's been to one. When they're succesful, they're like a big party where you're surrounded by likeminded people. It might feel alien to us contrarians on The Motte, but being in a big crowd of people cheering along is a lot of fun. (As you might have experienced at sports events). I don't imagine they convince a lot of undecideds, or attract the really passive people on their own, but every enthusiastic supporter who brings a passive supporter along has a chance of turning them into an enthusiastic supporter. And I imagine it does a lot to keep the enthusiastic supporter enthusiastic and maybe encourage then to volunteer or donate (both of which, having worked political campaigns, are a big deal).

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