In baseball, the “dog days of summer” refers to the period from mid-July to the end of August when temperatures and humidity reach their peak. It is also the time when a team’s outcome is pretty much determined. You are either a contender or already declaring “wait ’til next year.”
For politicians running for election or re-election, baseball’s “dog days” represent an appropriate metaphor. Playoff contenders traditionally use August as the time to assess the remaining schedule and look for proven talent (most often pitchers), fill gaps in the line-up and make sure the team is healthy and mentally prepared. General managers, field managers and owners know you do not win the pennant in August, but what you do during that period may determine if you’re still in the race in October.
In contrast, the also-rans promote minor league players to determine their value in the future. They also focus on window-dressing (e.g. special events and bringing in aging superstars) to fill seats once any hope of a championship season has vanished into the ether.
I thought about the “dog days of summer” when I saw the following headline in this morning’s New York Times, “Where Has Hillary Clinton Been? Ask the Ultrarich.” The article included the following.
If Mr. Trump appears to be waging his campaign in rallies and network interviews, Mrs. Clinton’s second presidential bid seems to amount to a series of high-dollar fund-raisers with public appearances added to the schedule when they can be fit in. Last week, for example, she diverged just once from her packed fund-raising schedule to deliver a speech.
Conventional wisdom tells us voters don’t start looking at the election in earnest until Labor Day. That being the case, one has to ask, “What is the best use of a candidate’s time and energy preparing for the political equivalent of a pennant race?” Do exactly what a contending baseball organization would do! Assess the schedule and begin the final push with a Labor Day event in New Hampshire, the state Nate Silver’s 538 forecast suggests may be the tipping point in the election. Fill the gaps by reinserting Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren into the line-up. Make sure you have the resources so money is not an issue. Yes, Clinton mingled with the ultra-rich and raised a record $143 million in the month of August. (NOTE: The Trump campaign has yet to release it’s August numbers.) Be mentally prepared for the stretch run by prepping for the three presidential debates.
As your political playoff hopes dwindle, the question becomes, “How do I stay relevant?” Bring in aging superstars such as Rudy Giuliani and Roger Ailes. Promote minor leaguers like Steve Bannon, Mark Burns and Marco Gutierrez. Stage special events like a surprise trip to Mexico or a scripted interview at an African-American church in Detroit.
Politics is a business in which profits are measured in votes instead of dollars. Therefore, candidates should heed the advice of business advisers like Ken DiPrima at Corporate Business Solutions.
The finish line is in sight. Whether a business is short of meeting their profit and sales goals or are exceeding them, how they emerge from the dog days of summer will determine whether they meet their target at the end of the year.
Also good advice for Amy Chozick and Jonathan Martin, the authors of the Times article. The headline could have just as easily read, “Which Campaign Is Best Prepared for the Home Stretch?” The reporters wouldn’t have to change a single word. All they need is a better understanding of the ebb and flow of election cycles. Perhaps re-reading Aesop’s “The Hare and the Tortoise,” might help.
For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP
Sometimes, I really miss Gilda Radner and her many Saturday Night Live characters (e.g. Roseanne Rosannadanna, Lisa Loopner). Each was guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. My favorite, however, was Emily Litella, the hard of hearing guest commentator on Weekend Update. Once informed she had misunderstood the question, she would close with her trademark line, “Never mind.” This morning, I missed her more than ever.