Dozens of television discussions in the run-up to election day on September 29. Almost daily on all channels. But what else can the duels and rounds yield for the candidates and their parties? An analysis by professionals.
Elephant rounds, duels, individual interviews – in all variations on all channels. The intensive election campaign on TV will be particularly challenging this time. For everyone involved, including the audience.
But what is the point of these arguments on television so close to the elections? “It used to be said that you could do a maximum of three percent plus or minus. This time I see the margin at only 1.5 – a maximum of two percent,” says pollster Christoph Haselmayer (IFDD).
The reason: this time, many have already decided who they want to vote for. “Because of the EU elections, we actually had a national election campaign. Because the focus was mainly on national issues. It was actually a warm-up for the Grand Prix.” The most important thing now is to avoid mistakes. Then comes the point “protect your own clientele”. “Thirdly, the focus is on the new voters. That applies to all candidates and parties.”
“Danger of talking nonsense”
Political professor Peter Filzmaier also sees avoiding mistakes as a priority. “Because in every second of many hours of TV discussions, a politician runs the risk of saying something nonsensical that he can’t get away from,” says Filzmaier.
For parties and candidates, there are only two target groups here. The undecided voters and possible non-voters. About three quarters have made up their minds early and have made up their minds long ago. “These are in principle no longer important for politicians on television because it is now hardly possible to convince someone from the other side. Of course, the undecided do not hesitate between all parties, but between two or at most three.”
However, the quarter of undecided and possible non-voters also represents more than a million eligible voters.
“Catenaccio – like in football”
The people who watch the TV debates are either in favour of a candidate or interested in politics, says pollster Peter Hajek (Public Opinions). “It is mainly about those who have not yet declared, but who sympathise. They are called ‘likely voters’. For him too, avoiding mistakes is his top priority. It is just like in football. “You can have a great game plan. In the end, it is important that the ‘0’ is there. No goal conceded. So it is about a solid performance. Just like the Italians with their catenaccio.”
Excessive defensive kick. Not exactly pretty to look at, but effective nonetheless.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
