The Game of Running for President

The field of political science is not at all new to me. However, the field of communication is very new. Through this class so far, I have had the opportunity to enter a brand new field and experience politics in a way in which I had not before experienced. I had the opportunity to attend both the Trump and Kasich rallies, and was pretty blown away by both experiences, as well as how vastly different the two were. At both rallies, I paid close attention to the message the candidates were trying to communicate, and the tactics they used to communicate said message. I also observed how the candidates were received by the people who attended the rallies. Unsurprisingly, the people who attended Trump's rally behaved in a way that was similar to Trump himself. They were loud and easily excitable, and they ate it up when Trump would call someone or a group of people names like "moron" or "loser." I think they considered bowing at his feet when he stated that the wall that Mexico is apparently paying for will be twice as high as a result of the former Mexican president's criticism of Trump's plan.
The Kasich rally was vastly different. Kasich refrained from the use of any derogatory names, and remained largely positive and encouraging. Truly, it felt a bit like I was at motivational speaking event. Kasich, in contrast with Trump, is very clearly running on his experience and on his dedication to improving America for each generation. He wants people to know his history in politics, including all the improvements he made in Ohio, and made a clear effort to make people aware. However, there is a fine line between making your accomplishments known and bragging. He rode the line, but because of his humble persona, I don't think he crossed the line. The attendees also differed greatly from those at the Trump rally. There was no yelling and screaming. Attendees listened intently and asked thoughtful questions about policy. I think one of the biggest differences between the two rallies is the appeal. Trump appeals to the voter that wants to be wooed and excited, and Kasich wants to appeal to the concerned citizen.
I think one of the most interesting things about this race is the difference in approach, and that each approach seems to be successful in its own way. We have a talking carrot screaming at us; a very experienced, possibly crazy lady doing her best to be a human; everybody's grandpa doing what every grandparent does- trying to smother us with free stuff; the two that are just sort of latching onto the policies that work for the others, and trying not to get crushed by the talking carrot; and the motivational speaker. As different as the candidates all are, somehow, each approach is successful in its own way. If there is one thing I can credit these candidates with, it is knowing their constituency.