Will Voter Fatigue Figure In Long 2008 Campaign?

[question everything]

The Wall Street Journal

Will Voter Fatigue Figure In Long 2008 Campaign?
By GERALD F. SEIB
March 17, 2007; Page A2

(snip)

It's well established that the 2008 presidential campaign is starting far earlier than any race in history. Much has been written about how many hundreds of millions of dollars will have to be raised for a campaign of such duration. Already, Republican Mitt Romney has committed almost a million dollars to advertising. Less discussed is another possible effect of the unfolding campaign marathon: What are the chances it will produce broad voter fatigue with all the candidates? What if Americans simply grow tired of them in the long months to come?

In this month's Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll1, it's possible to see the dangers that prolonged exposure may carry for the candidates. The two most-established and best-known contenders -- Sen. Clinton on the Democratic side and Sen. McCain on the Republican side -- also happen to be the candidates who generate the most opposition within their own parties. When voters were asked which candidates in their party they "definitely" wouldn't vote for, Democrats were most likely to say Sen. Clinton -- 16% said they definitely wouldn't vote for her -- and Republicans most likely to say Sen. McCain, with 20% saying they wouldn't pick him.

(snip)

If, as those numbers suggest, familiarity doesn't necessarily breed fondness, who stands to benefit?

On the Democratic side, the most likely beneficiary probably is former senator and vice-presidential candidate John Edwards, who is quietly raising a fair amount of money and attracting attention in the early primary and caucus states but not wearing out his welcome nationally. On the Republican side, it's probably Mr. Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, who is an impressive campaigner but not yet well known across the land.

It's also possible that "none of the above" could benefit. That might open the door for Newt Gingrich on the Republican side and Al Gore on the Democratic side. They both would carry lots of baggage into the race, and lots of negative ratings of their own. But they are two figures with the stature and fund-raising power to step in if voters grow weary of the current crop during the long months that lie ahead. For now, Mr. Gingrich says he is keeping his options open; Mr. Gore says he isn't interested in running, but also hasn't ruled out the idea.


URL for this article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117409185789340193.html (subscription)

[Fovea]

1. Voter fatigue versus national crisis

I think that the next two years is going to be such a rough ride that voters will be non fatigued come nov 08.

[whistle]

2. Actually, fascism, martial law and suspension of free elections will be the factor

...for 2008

[benddem]

3. I have it already

and I'm sick of all the requests for money I'm getting in the mail. Two from Hilary in one day. Both went back with "remove me from your mailing list."

[cadmium]

4. Ha ha. I keep getting mailings from people I never heard of. I think

fatigue will play a factor but iI have no idea how it will effect the election. Here is my estimate about that. I think excitement peaks and wanes in seasonal segments about 3-4 months. (t is just a theory). So, after the end of the summer we have another couple months to build up again.