Imagine that you are using the Downsian model of electoral competition to advise a vote-maximizing candidate for office in a two-candidate race. Let’s say that neither candidate has declared their ideological position yet, while the electorate does identify along the classic left-right spectrum and you have full information about voters’ ideological preferences.
Answer one question at a time. First write down your answer, then look at what is in quote below the question, after the question, and then write a few words of confirmation or correction–or questions.
1) Let’s say both candidates must declare their ideological positions simultaneously. Where would you recommend that the candidate place themselves on the ideological spectrum?
“You’d identify the position (or ideal point or bliss point) of the median voter and recommend that your candidate adopt this position. (With all of these simple pop-ups, what’s key is to check your understanding and to let us know if you have any questions.)â€�
2) Does your advice to the candidate change if the electorate becomes more polarized ideologically? Why or why not?
“No, it does not change. The position of the median voter will remain the most advantageous choice. (And indeed if the only change is greater polarization, the position of the median voter will not itself shift.)�
3) If the opponent has already declared their ideological position, where would you recommend your candidate place themselves ideologically?
“You would figure out whether or not the opponent have chosen the position of the median voter. If they have, you would recommend your candidate choose the same position. (Or, if you think that choosing the identical position might look bad in voters’ eyes, you’ll recommend choosing a distinct position as close as possible to the opponent’s position.) If the opponent has not chosen the position of the median voter, you would recommend that your candidate choose the position as close as possible to the opponent’s position, on the side towards the position of the median voter (the side where the largest share of voters lies). Do you feel you have a grasp of this logic now?�
4) Assuming that once the candidate announces an ideological identity it will be costly (in terms of reputation) to change this, would you recommend the candidate declare their ideological position as soon as possible or wait for their opponent to declare their position?
“Your answers may vary. Is it best to go first to choose the position of the median voter before your opponent chooses it? Or would it be better to wait and go second in the hope that the opponent does not choose the position of the median voter and you can follow the advice given in the previous answer? Either approach shows an understanding of the issue, and you’re making good use of what you’ve learned.�