Comments on: Lessons from Political Campaign Workplaces http://www.creativeclass.com/creative_class/2008/10/13/lessons-from-political-campaign-workplaces/ The source on how we live, work and play Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:41:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Matt S. http://www.creativeclass.com/creative_class/2008/10/13/lessons-from-political-campaign-workplaces/#comment-6492 Matt S. Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:10:18 +0000 http://www.creativeclass.com/creative_class/?p=4243#comment-6492 I've worked for a state campaign here in Virginia (as a paid staffer) and worked on the tail end of a Senate campaign/new Senate office. I can tell you that people - from both sides - of the aisle pour their hearts and souls into the campaign. The worst is being on a losing side. You get drunk election night and have to start cleaning everything up for the next week or two. It's probably the most depressing thing ever. The great thing about either campaign, is the amount of talent in the volunteer pool. If you're smart, you take everyone's talent, background, etc. into play and hope that it can help you in one way or another. Some people think it's exploiting certain groups, but would you want someone talking about your candidate (in a certain group of people) speaking to possible voters (which belong in that same group, income bracket, sexual orientation, etc.). I'm with Michael, I learned about deadlines and working in FAST-moving offices. One minute, you think your candidate is on top, the next, you find out your down in the polls because of a certain issue. In the second, you have to drop all the crap you were doing and change plans. It's crazy, but a completely rewarding experience. I’ve worked for a state campaign here in Virginia (as a paid staffer) and worked on the tail end of a Senate campaign/new Senate office. I can tell you that people - from both sides - of the aisle pour their hearts and souls into the campaign. The worst is being on a losing side. You get drunk election night and have to start cleaning everything up for the next week or two. It’s probably the most depressing thing ever.

The great thing about either campaign, is the amount of talent in the volunteer pool. If you’re smart, you take everyone’s talent, background, etc. into play and hope that it can help you in one way or another. Some people think it’s exploiting certain groups, but would you want someone talking about your candidate (in a certain group of people) speaking to possible voters (which belong in that same group, income bracket, sexual orientation, etc.).

I’m with Michael, I learned about deadlines and working in FAST-moving offices. One minute, you think your candidate is on top, the next, you find out your down in the polls because of a certain issue. In the second, you have to drop all the crap you were doing and change plans. It’s crazy, but a completely rewarding experience.

]]> By: Michael Wells http://www.creativeclass.com/creative_class/2008/10/13/lessons-from-political-campaign-workplaces/#comment-6421 Michael Wells Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:04:30 +0000 http://www.creativeclass.com/creative_class/?p=4243#comment-6421 Unlike other workplaces, an American political campaign has a deadline. After election day, the campaign ceases to exist. So the atmosphere is driven, with people working long hours and weekends that have an end in sight, there's no need nor motive to pace yourself like on a longtime job. Also second place counts for nothing. An Avis or Pepsi can operate very well in #2 position. But people who campaign for losing candidates don't get staff jobs. Unlike other workplaces, an American political campaign has a deadline. After election day, the campaign ceases to exist. So the atmosphere is driven, with people working long hours and weekends that have an end in sight, there’s no need nor motive to pace yourself like on a longtime job.

Also second place counts for nothing. An Avis or Pepsi can operate very well in #2 position. But people who campaign for losing candidates don’t get staff jobs.

]]> By: Elizabeth M http://www.creativeclass.com/creative_class/2008/10/13/lessons-from-political-campaign-workplaces/#comment-6417 Elizabeth M Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:35:00 +0000 http://www.creativeclass.com/creative_class/?p=4243#comment-6417 I haven't worked on a campaign myself but I would venture to guess that the people in those rooms are more motivated than the average worker. Some of them have given up jobs or massive amounts of free time in order to dedicate their efforts to a candidate. I haven’t worked on a campaign myself but I would venture to guess that the people in those rooms are more motivated than the average worker. Some of them have given up jobs or massive amounts of free time in order to dedicate their efforts to a candidate.

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