The numbers are staggering. Since 2007, mail volume in the United States has dropped by 43.1 billion pieces, post office visits are down by 200 million, and retail transactions have decreased at least $2 billion. The figures, worry some in the direct mail industry, could eventually lead the United States Postal Service to reduce delivery to three days a week.
This issue's Shoptalkers: Fred Davis, CEO of Strategic Perception; Eric Hogensen, president of HSG Campaigns; Douglas Herman, partner at The Strategy Group; and Vince Monaco, owner of the Monaco Group.
If you’re a first-time candidate, you’ll soon discover that a lot of people are going to give you their two cents about your campaign. The thing is, many of them have no idea what they’re talking about.
Here are five terrible pieces of advice that you are likely to hear, and the facts that you need to remember.
1) Kamala Harris
The media is ready to jump-start the 2020 campaign tonight by featuring a CNN town hall with Kamala Harris. The Senator from California entered the race with a bold launch, raising $1.5 million in the first 24 hours. As an African American/Asian woman, she has a unique appeal to multiple groups. Since California is an early primary state, Kamala Harris has a strong path toward becoming a front-runner.
2) The Women’s Vote
The women’s protest and movement against President Trump has undoubtedly inspired many women to seek higher office. For the first time in U.S. history, there will be more than one major female candidate running for office in a presidential primary. Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, and Kirsten Gillibrand are all high-profile Senators who will make the first debate more diverse than before.
3) The Biden Factor
A big question for the 2020 Democratic primary is: Will Joe Biden run? In 2016 he took a pass due to the seemingly inevitability of Hillary Clinton, but many believe that he would have easily defeated Donald Trump. However, his 1988 and 2008 campaigns were lackluster, and Joe Biden would be 77 on Election Day 2020.
4) Elizabeth vs. Bernie
Ever since his surprisingly strong performance in 2016, Bernie Sanders has been considered the next frontrunner for the party’s left. But Elizabeth Warren is actively appealing to his base with strong arguments against inequality and detailed plans to tax the wealthy. Sanders’ entry in the race could decide who will be the Democratic Party’s “true leftist.”
"Over the years I have worked with HSG and seen their work on heated campaigns. Time and again, I am impressed with their ability to deliver strategic messaging with high-impact visuals. Eric Hogensen is keenly aware of how to use his political mind to communicate with voters in a way that works."
- Chris Larson, Wisconsin State Senator, District 7
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