Flirting with a Presidential Campaign

Washington Post:”This is the flirting season in American politics: Right now, more than 20 politicians are officially ‘considering’ or ‘exploring’ a run for president. The key to understanding this strange every-four-years ritual is to understand that there are actually two kinds of flirting.”

“For the big-name candidates, the presidential flirt is a useful, temporary, legal dodge. They will run. They are basically running already. But they don’t want to admit it yet, because that would bring on tighter fundraising rules.”

“For the others — particularly the eight or so who had fallen out of the political spotlight — the flirt can be an end in itself. It allows them to experience some of the most pleasant parts of a campaign: audiences, media attention, a chance to raise money. And then it lets them escape before they have to face the less-pleasant parts. Like getting crushed.”