Patrick Ruffini: “Campaigns control precious few things through their own deliberate effort, independent of what their opponent does or doesn’t do. Turnout is one of those things. Persuasion, like the search for the blockbuster drug or summer movie, can yield fantastic results, but is often hit or miss – too often outside the capability of the campaign or the candidate to fully control.”
To Persuade or Not to Persuade?
Limited-time offer
Try Political Wire Free for 60 days
Members get Talking Points analysis, Trending News, the Polling Dashboard, the Trial Balloon podcast, new site features and no ads. Start your free trial


?Political Trivia
Eight moments in political history. Put them on a timeline.
Play →
Five senators. Three bills. Can you guess how they all voted?
Play →
Nine Justices. One case. How did they rule?
Play →
Do you have your finger on the pulse of America?
Play →
Four questions a day.
Play →
A new game every day.