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Who will the candidates be speaking to in the debate?

Three target audiences

When participating in an event like a debate or an interview, good candidates consider their “target audience” – those within the audience they most want to reach, and tailor their responses accordingly.

The candidates in tonight’s debate at the Reagan Library have several target audiences.  As you watch and listen to their responses, they’re likely speaking directly to one of three groups.

The first group: activists and donors.  While rank-and-file voters have several more months to decide for whom they’ll cast their ballots, now is the time when increasing numbers of donors are deciding for whom they will write checks, and activists start visiting websites to sign up and volunteer.  This is the primary before the primary, and it’s very important.  Donor contributions and volunteer time are the resources a candidate needs to in turn reach large numbers of voters as the campaign moves ahead.

The second group: opinion leaders.  The donors and activists every candidate needs look to an array of elected officials, party leaders, commentators and other opinion leaders with a philosophy similar to their own as they shape their views on the candidates.  Favorable reviews from these leaders shape the level of support a candidate draws from partisan donors and activists while contributing to a sense of momentum.

The third group: rank-and-file Republican voters.  While the primary election will be dramatically shaped by voters in the early states, strong numbers in national surveys provides encourages a candidate’s supporters, helps to draw new ones, and depresses active support for opponents.  These voters are overwhelmingly conservative and have little love for Washington.  They are looking for authenticity, a conservative vision, the ability to turn that vision into realty, strength, caring, and honesty.

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