Political High

One of the first things I was told as a new lawyer by an accomplishedand  experienced lawyer was this: “The “A” lawyers are always prepared.”

In other words, win or lose, the really good lawyers go into court or a deposition knowing their file and the law.

That, of course, takes work.

The same thing is true as a candidate when you’re getting ready for a debate.  (Or if you are the staff person responsible for getting the candidate ready for the debate.)

In the midst of a campaign, the candidate is not going to want to sit down for an hour or more to prep for a debate.  Of course they know the issues!  And there is money to raise and hands to shake.

All true.

But there is no reason to be unprepared.  You’re going to know the likely questions from either the moderator, citizens, or the other candidate.  You probably even know about “that rumor” that someone might try to spring on you in a debate or forum.

So be prepared.  I think General Dwight Eisenhower said that you have to plan even if you have to toss the plan.  Planning (or in this case, preparing) forces you to learn, store, categorize, and recall information.

You can also come up with those “one liners” that zing the opposition (I.e., John McCain, “Sen. Obama, if you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago.”) .  You just have them stored, ready to go if needed.

Knowing and rehersing your responses will ease nerves, create confidence, make for more concise responses, and provide polish.

So, don’t let your candidate duck out on debate preparation.

Ok, I admit it.  I think Gov. Sarah Palin has no business being Vice President or President.

But you know what?  She’s actually pretty funny and a good sport.

How do I know that?  Because she was on Saturday Night Live last night.

Campaigns are grueling, no matter what level.  There’s never enough time to do everything that needs to be done.  The candidate is under a microscope.  They are heaped with criticism.

As Palin showed last night–and as Senators Barack Obama and John McCain showed Thursday night at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Trust Dinner- -humor, particularly humor turned on yourself, helps to humanize the candidate.

In so many ways, candidates have to be so careful about what they say.  But when they laugh at themselves, like look like real people.

So, when appropirate, throw a little humor into your campaign, particularly about yourself.  It is a tension breaker and personality maker.

Here’s one of Palin’s bits last night: