--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Successful presidential campaigns follow…" description: "\"Successful presidential campaigns follow a two-part strategy. For Republicans, Richard Nixon described it as running to the right in the primaries and ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57b/lawrence-o-donnell-1701_democracy_successful-presidential-campaigns-follow_1905021.jpg" --- # Successful presidential campaigns follow a two-part… ![“Successful presidential campaigns follow a two-part strategy. For Republicans, Richard Nixon described it as running to the right in the primaries and running back to the center in the general election. For Democrats, the idea is to go to the left in the primaries, then to the center.” quote by Lawrence O'Donnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57b/lawrence-o-donnell-1701_democracy_successful-presidential-campaigns-follow_1905021.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57b/lawrence-o-donnell-1701_democracy_successful-presidential-campaigns-follow_1905021.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57b/lawrence-o-donnell-1701_democracy_successful-presidential-campaigns-follow_1905021.jpg) > “Successful presidential campaigns follow a two-part strategy. For Republicans, Richard Nixon described it as running to the right in the primaries and running back to the center in the general election. For Democrats, the idea is to go to the left in the primaries, then to the center.” [Lawrence O'Donnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lawrence-o-donnell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Campaigns often start with extreme positions to win primaries, then shift toward moderate views to appeal to a broader electorate. **In simple terms:** Candidates move from extremes to the center to win elections. Key Takeaway Balance primary appeal with general appeal. Themes politics strategy election tactics Mood cautious analytical critical Type advisory observational When to use this quote - primary campaigns - general elections - party conventions - voter outreach Key Concepts median voter theorem political positioning primary dynamics Questions to Reflect On - How do you maintain credibility while moderating? - When does a shift become perceived as opportunistic? A Different Perspective Risk of alienating core supporters when shifting positions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy/) [Democrats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democrats/) [Election](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/election/) [Strategy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strategy/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) ## Related quotes > [I am sent on assignments just like guys. I have covered presidential campaigns, natural disasters, tragedies, red carpets, medical stories and more.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/megan-alexander/i-am-sent-on-assignments-just-like-guys-i-have-covered-presidential/) [Megan Alexander](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/megan-alexander/) > [Presidential campaigns are exhausting. 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I think this year it will be 60 percent…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-cost-of-congressional-and-presidential-campaigns-has-been-leaping/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [In presidential campaigns, experience as a candidate is an invaluable asset.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-beckel/in-presidential-campaigns-experience-as-a-candidate-is-an-invaluable/) [Bob Beckel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-beckel/) > [“Presidential campaigns are on the verge of turning into media contests between master operators of the Internet. 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