# Most Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings about Campaigns w/ Alex Patton | Politics with Paul #74

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/politics-with-paul-7031218/most-common-mistakes-and-misunderstandings-about-campaigns-w-alex-patton-politics-with-paul-74
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/politics-with-paul-7031218/most-common-mistakes-and-misunderstandings-about-campaigns-w-alex-patton-politics-with-paul-74.md
Podcast: [Politics with Paul](https://stenobird.com/podcast/politics-with-paul-7031218)
Published: 2026-01-06T13:45:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcast.paulrader.org/episodes/qwFaHuwwJR5
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.podcastai.com/episodes/qwFaHuwwJR5.mp3?u=1768308806
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Duration seconds: 4444

## Resource

Elections are complicated and difficult, which makes for plenty of mistakes made on the campaign trail from newbies and veterans alike. But it's not just the actual campaigns where mistakes and misunderstandings happen - it occurs with how elections are analyzed and covered, too. Campaigners, candidates, pollsters, media, academics, and citizens all have different perspectives and interests, leading to shortcomings and exacerbating the missteps about campaigning. In today's episode, Alex Patton sits down with me to discuss these mistakes that are made by campaigns and by those seeking to understand campaigns. Alex draws on his long career in political consulting and survey research to spotlight these common errors, including some that he made early on in his career. Whether you're new to the political game, seeking to enter it, or seasoned with experience, his insights will benefit anyone.

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## Transcript

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