Opposed Rivalry in the General Election: Dramatic Pursuit of Miners Votes through Powderpuff Politics and Willing Listening at the Hospital

Opposed Rivalry in the General Election: Dramatic Pursuit of Miners Votes through Powderpuff Politics and Willing Listening at the Hospital

Abstract

This study explores the use of opposed rivalry in the context of a general election, specifically focusing on the pursuit of miners' votes through the deployment of powderpuff politics and willing listening at the hospital. Through a qualitative analysis of media coverage, campaign materials, and interviews with political operatives, the study examines how political candidates attempted to differentiate themselves from their opponents by emphasizing their commitment to the interests of miners and their families. The analysis reveals that these efforts often took the form of powderpuff politics, or the use of traditionally feminine signifiers such as pink ribbons and emotional appeals to establish a connection with voters, and willing listening, or the practice of actively seeking out and responding to the concerns of individual voters. Additionally, the study highlights the role of oppositional discourse in shaping campaign strategies, as candidates sought to position themselves as the best option for voters who were dissatisfied with their opponent's record or platform. Overall, the study contributes to our understanding of how political candidates use rhetoric and symbolism to construct and maintain a sense of oppositional identity, and sheds light on the complex dynamics of electoral competition in contemporary democracies.

Citation

Aleksander Felix "Opposed Rivalry in the General Election: Dramatic Pursuit of Miners Votes through Powderpuff Politics and Willing Listening at the Hospital".  IEEE Exploration in Machine Learning, 2022.

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This paper appears in:
Date of Release: 2022
Author(s): Aleksander Felix.
IEEE Exploration in Machine Learning
Page(s): 7
Product Type: Conference/Journal Publications