The Curling Analogy in Campaigning
Sarah Isgur, a seasoned Republican campaign strategist and a senior editor at The Dispatch, has an insightful analogy that captures the essence of campaigning: she likens it to the sport of curling. For those who may not be well-acquainted with this fascinating winter sport, curling involves sliding a hefty stone—typically weighing around 44 pounds—across a sheet of ice toward a circular target, known as the house.
In curling, one player, known as the “thrower,” releases the stone with precision, while teammates act as “sweepers.” The sweepers use brooms to brush the ice in front of the stone, attempting to influence its trajectory and speed. Their goal is to help the stone travel farther or adjust its direction just enough to ensure it reaches the target. Despite their efforts, the sweepers cannot completely control the stone once it has been released; its momentum is simply too great.
Isgur astutely draws a parallel between this curling dynamic and the political landscape during an election cycle. She explains, “The underlying dynamics of an election cycle (the economy, the popularity of the president, national events driving the news cycle) are like the 44-pound ‘stone.’” In this analogy, the candidates and their campaign teams are akin to the sweepers. They work tirelessly to influence the outcome, yet they cannot fully dictate the larger forces at play.
One of the more frustrating aspects of political analysis is the tendency to focus excessively on the “sweeping” actions—such as advertising campaigns, grassroots outreach, and strategic messaging—while neglecting the fundamental “stone.” Political enthusiasts, including journalists, often immerse themselves in these tactical elements, believing they hold the key to electoral success.
While these strategies do hold significance, when faced with a sweeping electoral defeat, it becomes abundantly clear that it is the underlying forces, the “stone,” that ultimately dictate the outcome. Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone looking to grasp the intricacies of the political arena.
