Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1247IR // #c1247Synthesis

"But the final percentage point or two in a campaign can come down to which side is better organized in the field—that is, which campaign has more successfully harnessed volunteer energy and turned it toward the kinds of voter contact that make the biggest difference."

— In our words · Source: This Is the Plan (Ben Wikler)

[Use when]

The market or matchup is close and you're deciding whether execution details are worth the investment.

[Why it matters]

Conditions and the electorate set most of the outcome, and candidates and ads decide most of the rest. Organization only moves the last point or two. In an era of razor-thin races, that is what decides who wins.

Filed under situations:When a rival’s move changes your game

More from This Is the Plan

#c1233"Here’s the operating principle: All other things being equal, you’ll be most persuasive to the people with whom you have the closest…You want to change minds and are about to start with the widest, least personal channel available. #c1234"Keep a CONSTANT WATCH on the DOUBTFUL VOTERS, and from time to time have them TALKED TO by those IN WHOM THEY HAVE THE MOST CONFIDENCE."You need to win over a wavering group and are deciding who should deliver the message. #c1235"Whenever a new way to reach someone unsolicitedly and cheaply pops into existence—mail, texts, Facebook messages—it has a brief twinkling…Your team is excited about a new cheap outreach channel because early numbers look great.

Same situation, different book

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