Leni is losing. The reason asserted here is that the Leni campaign is wanting. Among other reasons, it still has the Otso Diretso syndrome. It is as though they have not learned from that humiliating setback. What is the remedy? Her supporter should step up!
Supporters refer to volunteers working independently of the campaign organization. Their sole task is to solicit votes for Leni.
Here is the modus operandi. Leni supporters should shift to a street-to-street, house-to-house, man-to-man, face-to-face campaign to eliminate intermediaries—social media and its accompanying brouhaha. It is knocking on each door and convincing the household to vote for Leni. Social media campaigning works only for those with an efficient Internet connection. However, two years of DEPED online learning experience says that low-income families have no Internet access. So the man-to-man method is the best to reach this population segment. However, do not limit your activity to this segment alone.
Name recall is not an issue for Leni. It is getting people to vote for her that matters. Traditional campaigning is ineffective in today’s condition–political rallies, motorcades, mobile barkers are hysterical and, public endorsements are flimsy. A face-to-face plea to vote for Leni is the strongest. Endorsing prominent personalities, e.g., economists and religious, should walk the streets and knock on doors to solicit votes. The supporter must be ready to use charm and wits to convince voters. To establish goodwill, organize soup kitchens and food pantries. Give away campaign tokens, e.g., items for the house. There are many other ways, so use your imagination. Be astute not to attract trouble, i.e., be accused of vote-buying or breaking COVID 19 safety protocol.
This approach leverages on ‘kapwa tao at pakikisama.’ The supporter amidst this trait asks for the vote. A negative response demands an innovative repeat visit. The key to executing this campaign is for supporters to organize and act as an efficient unit. Supporters must be ready to sweat, bleed, and spend. Be open to ferry voters to and from the polling center. Expect to work until the counting of the last vote.
Penultimately, note that this method transfers the ownership of the campaign from the candidate to the people. Given her character, Leni is likely not to object. However, our dime-a-dozen politicians will find this inimical to their interests and cronies because the people will expect corruption-free governance in exchange. Finally, for Leni to win, her supporters in stepping in should take this as their solemn task for the nation. The intensity of this posture is contagious that no technology can imitate.
Red Lion Oratory 