Winning Edge

#36 Help Undecided Voters Not Be Wrong

Commonwealth Partners
  • Eisenhower's 1952 "I will go to Korea" speech provides a template for addressing undecided voters
  • Key elements of Eisenhower's approach:
    1. Respect and honor past sacrifices
    2. Show what's changed and offer a plan
    3. Provide a path forward free from blame
  • Undecided voters want to feel they're making the "right" decision
  • Strategy to help undecided voters feel confident in their choice:
    1. Respect the Thinking: Acknowledge the appeal of your opponent in the past
    2. Highlight What's Changed: Express disappointment in how they've governed
    3. Show How to be Right Again: Position yourself as the right choice moving forward
  • Example message for independent voters:
    • Acknowledge opponent's past promises
    • Highlight how they've failed to live up to those promises
    • Present yourself as the solution focused on local needs
  • Bottom line: Validate voters' past decisions while presenting a compelling case for change

For more tips on persuading undecided voters in the final days of your campaign, refer to the accompanying one-page PDF.


Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion.

For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com