As a student of sales, I love Presidential elections!
I have a theory that the selling skills of the candidates determine the outcome of the race more than any other factor.
My formula for picking the winner way ahead of the pundents is simple, apolitical, and accurate:
Forget the polls
Forget the platforms
Forget the issues
Forget the political parties...
If you objectively evaluate the selling skills of the candidates...
the better salesperson wins every election.
Don't believe me?
Here's proof:
2004 Bush wins over Kerry
George "I'm here to ask for your vote" Bush vs. John "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it" Kerry. I worked on the Kerry campaign. He was no salesman.
2000 Bush wins over Gore
Bush had his "common man" appeal, Gore had academic appeal.
1996 Clinton wins over Dole
Clinton, was and still is, one of the greatest salespeople ever. Dole was a war hero.
1992 Clinton wins over Bush Sr.
Bush was a clear communicator. But Clinton was as well and bested Bush Sr. by communicating on an emotional level as well.
1988 Bush Sr. wins over Dukakis
Michael Dukakis was the guy who calmly quoted government policy when CNN's Bernard Shaw asked how he would react to the rape of his wife.
1984 Reagan wins over Mondale
The "Great Communicator" vs. Walter "Mon-Dull."
1980 Reagan wins over Carter
Carter was no match for "The "Great Communicator."
1976 Carter wins over Ford
Carter was an engaging personality. Ford stumbled a lot.
I didn't vote for all of the winners but, in my opinion, the best salesperson won every contest.
Think about it on your next sales call!
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