Jonah Patel
The permanent campaign is a political science theory that describes the mindset of politicians who are always in campaign mode, even when not actively running for office. The term was first coined by Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, The Permanent Campaign, which explored how American politics had shifted from old-style patronage to a new system driven by modern technology and media. This theory has been associated with the rise of modern political consulting and the professionalization of campaigns, leading to sophisticated techniques for identifying and mobilizing voters, raising funds, and shaping public opinion. The permanent campaign has had a significant impact on recent presidencies, with decisions made by presidents increasingly influenced by their potential impact on voter approval. Critics argue that this focus on constant campaigning has led to a decline in governance quality and a more polarized political environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First coined | In 1980 by Sidney Blumenthal in his book, The Permanent Campaign |
| Also credited to | Political strategist Patrick Caddell, who wrote a memo for President-elect Jimmy Carter in 1976 |
| Refers to | The idea that politicians and political organizations are always in campaign mode, even when not actively running for office |
| Associated with | The rise of modern political consulting and the professionalization of political campaigns |
| Impact | Decisions are made with considerations to their impact on voter approval |
| Impact | Increased focus on fundraising and mobilisation efforts |
| Impact | More polarized and partisan political environment |
| Impact | Decline in the quality of governance |
| Impact | Less focus on working together to find common ground and solve problems |
| Impact | Increased use of taxpayer dollars to promote government policies |
| Impact | More sophisticated techniques for identifying and mobilizing voters |
| Impact | More sophisticated techniques for raising funds and shaping public opinion |
| Impact | More sophisticated techniques for collecting, storing, and using data about voters |
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What You'll Learn
The permanent campaign theory's origins
The origins of the permanent campaign theory can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s, with various individuals and factors contributing to its development.
The term "permanent campaign" was first coined by journalist and later presidential senior adviser, Sidney Blumenthal, in his 1980 book, "The Permanent Campaign". Blumenthal's work described the fundamental changes in American politics, where the old-style patronage and party organisation were replaced by modern technology, computer-driven polling, and media influence, creating a new system. He highlighted the rise of political consultants, who prioritised short-term tactical gains over long-term vision, and how this contributed to a blurred line between campaigning and governing. Blumenthal's book sparked subsequent scholarship and analysis of the concept, with the term gaining recognition in political discourse.
However, it is important to note that the theory itself is often credited to Patrick Caddell, a Democratic pollster who worked for President Jimmy Carter. In a 1976 memo to Carter, Caddell introduced the idea that "governing with public approval requires a continuing political campaign", capturing the essence of the permanent campaign mindset. Caddell's thesis recognised the evolving nature of the presidency, influenced by the television age and the increasing influence of political consultants.
The permanent campaign theory has been associated with several presidential administrations, including those of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Clinton, in particular, embodied the concept, as seen through his long political career and continued presence on the national stage, even after his presidency. The impeachment proceedings during Clinton's presidency and his support for his wife Hillary Clinton's campaigns further emphasised the idea of a "permanent election".
The rise of modern political consulting, the professionalisation of campaigns, and the increasing use of sophisticated techniques to identify and mobilise voters have all contributed to the permanent campaign phenomenon. This has led to a more polarised and partisan political environment, with politicians prioritising re-election and appealing to their base over collaboration and serving the public interest.
While the origins of the permanent campaign theory can be traced back to specific individuals and events, it is important to recognise that it is a complex political phenomenon with various contributing factors. The evolution of media, technology, and the changing nature of political parties have all played a role in shaping the permanent campaign mindset in modern politics.
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How permanent campaigning affects governance
The concept of a "permanent campaign" in politics refers to the idea that politicians and their organisations are always in campaign mode, even when not actively running for office. This theory of political science was first defined by Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, "The Permanent Campaign". In it, he explains how the changes in American politics, from old-style patronage and party organisation to modern technology-driven systems, created a fundamentally new model where campaigning became the form of governing.
The permanent campaign has had a significant impact on recent presidencies, with the line between governing and campaigning becoming blurred. Decisions made by presidents are increasingly influenced by their potential impact on voter approval, and there is a greater focus on electoral concerns. This has led to a decline in the quality of governance, as politicians are more concerned with securing re-election than serving the public interest. The constant campaigning has also contributed to a more polarised and partisan political environment, as politicians prioritise appealing to their base over finding common ground and collaborating to address pressing issues.
The rise of modern political consulting and the professionalisation of campaigns have played a significant role in the permanent campaign phenomenon. Political consultants and strategists employ sophisticated techniques to identify and mobilise voters, raise funds, and shape public opinion. These methods are now integral to the political process, influencing how politicians and campaigns operate even outside of election periods. The increased emphasis on fundraising and mobilisation efforts has further diverted attention from governance towards electoral considerations.
The notion of a permanent campaign has been observed in various countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The administrations of Clinton, W. Bush, and Obama have been associated with this approach, and it has been argued that Donald Trump's presidency brought the idea of a permanent campaign to its logical endpoint, with his immediate focus on re-election efforts and the absence of a typical honeymoon period for new presidents.
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Political parties' permanent campaign strategies
The "permanent campaign" is a political science theory that suggests politicians and political organizations are always in campaign mode, even when not actively running for office. This theory was first defined by journalist Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, "The Permanent Campaign". In it, he explains how the breakdown of old-style patronage and party organization, coupled with the rise of modern technology in polling and media, created a new system where political consultants replaced party bosses. This new model led to a shift in the power dynamic between rulers and ruled, with politicians increasingly making decisions based on their impact on voter approval rather than long-term vision.
- Building a comprehensive database of supporters, volunteers, and donors, and utilizing tools to create detailed profiles to facilitate engagement and outreach.
- Developing a distinct visual identity through the use of logos, color schemes, and high-quality photos to make the campaign instantly recognizable.
- Focusing on short-term tactical gains, such as headline-grabbing initiatives, to maintain a positive public image and secure re-election.
- Emphasizing fundraising and mobilization efforts, including targeting specific states or groups of voters that are deemed crucial for electoral success.
- Utilizing sophisticated techniques developed by political consultants and campaign strategists to identify, mobilize, and influence voters, shape public opinion, and raise funds.
- Leveraging social media platforms like Twitter to continuously campaign and adapt messaging based on negative or positive campaigning techniques.
- Relying on individuals and organized groups, in addition to the party's own efforts, to connect with and persuade voters.
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The role of modern technology in permanent campaigning
Modern technology has played a pivotal role in facilitating this permanent campaign mindset. The advent of social media and digital platforms has transformed how candidates communicate, engage voters, and shape public opinion. Social media platforms, in particular, have become indispensable tools for politicians, enabling them to reach a wider audience and amplify their messages. This has led to a shift in electoral strategies, with campaigns becoming more voter-centric and focused on micro-targeting.
Additionally, digital technology has enhanced the ability of political consultants and campaign strategists to employ sophisticated techniques for identifying and mobilizing voters, fundraising, and influencing public opinion. These techniques, such as data analytics, polling, and focus groups, have become integral to the permanent campaign, allowing politicians to make decisions with a constant eye on voter approval.
The impact of modern technology on permanent campaigning has had both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, it has empowered smaller parties and fringe groups to amplify their voices and gain a more influential platform. On the other hand, some argue that the focus on constant campaigning has led to increased polarization, as politicians prioritize appealing to their base over finding common ground.
The role of technology in permanent campaigning is still evolving, and the next phase is expected to be heavily influenced by Generative AI, large language models, and deep fakes, which may significantly shape the future of political campaigns and democracy.
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Permanent campaigning's impact on partisanship
The concept of a "permanent campaign" in politics refers to the idea that politicians and political organizations are always in campaign mode, even when not actively running for office. This theory of political science was first proposed by Patrick Caddell, a pollster for US President Jimmy Carter, in a 1976 memo entitled "Initial Working Paper on Political Strategy". Caddell wrote, "governing with public approval requires a continuing political campaign." The concept was further developed by Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, also titled *The Permanent Campaign*. Blumenthal described how changes in American politics, driven by modern technology and the rise of political consultants, had created a fundamentally new system where campaigning became a form of governing.
The impact of permanent campaigning on partisanship has been significant. Some argue that it has led to a more polarized and partisan political environment. With a focus on constant campaigning, politicians are more concerned with appealing to their base and attacking their opponents than finding common ground and collaborating to address pressing issues. This dynamic has contributed to a decline in the quality of governance, as politicians prioritize their own re-election over serving the public interest. The permanent campaign mentality has also influenced policy decisions, which become inextricably linked to political considerations.
An example of this can be seen in the Clinton Administration, where pollsters asked voters to decide where Bill Clinton would go on vacation. Robert Reich, a political scientist, has suggested that Clinton was in a state of "permanent election" due to the impeachment proceedings during his presidency and his continued involvement in his wife Hillary Clinton's campaigns. Similarly, Scott McClellan, former White House Press Secretary for George W. Bush, wrote in his memoir that the Bush White House suffered from a "permanent campaign" mentality, with policy decisions heavily influenced by politics.
The notion of permanent campaigning has also been examined in the context of online political advertising and social media usage. Studies have found that nonpartisan campaign groups play a more consistent role in placing political advertising across electoral and non-electoral periods. In contrast, parties and political leaders tend to focus their advertising efforts primarily on general election periods. On social media platforms like Twitter, politicians' behavior differs between campaign and routine periods, with empirical findings not fully supporting the notion of a 'permanent campaign'. However, the media environment has undoubtedly influenced political campaigning, and the use of cyberdemocracy tools could lead to an intensification of the permanent campaign mentality.
In conclusion, the concept of a permanent campaign has had a significant impact on partisanship, contributing to a more polarized political landscape and affecting the way politicians govern and make policy decisions. While the theory was first developed in the context of American politics, it has since been recognized as a universal phenomenon, with scholars studying its evolving characteristics and impact on political systems worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
A permanent campaign in politics refers to the idea that politicians and political organizations are always in campaign mode, even when they are not actively running for office. It is a political science theory that was first coined by Sidney Blumenthal in his 1980 book, "The Permanent Campaign".
Political parties practice permanent campaigning for two reasons: to advance their current agenda and to position themselves well for the next electoral battle. The governing party has a particular advantage as it can use the levers of power to assist its cause.
Some argue that the focus on constant campaigning has led to a more polarized and partisan political environment, as politicians are more focused on appealing to their base and attacking their opponents than on working together to find common ground and solve problems. It has also led to a decline in the quality of governance, as politicians are more focused on securing their re-election than on serving the public interest.
The permanent campaign is frequently associated with Bill Clinton, both during his presidency and after, as well as with the Bush and Obama administrations.
