RICHARD PREBBLE: Erica mania?
The real election campaign is taking place on social media.
Those on the other side of the digital divide do not even know this campaign is happening.
But even those who scroll through social media do not see campaigns that are reaching tens of thousands of voters.
Algorithms select posts that we will like.
I am sure the algorithms have me profiled.
With that warning, the best campaign posts I have seen are Erica Stanford’s.
It is difficult to talk straight to a camera and be authentic. It is even harder to explain a complex message.
Stanford does both.
Check out this example:
Then wonder with me.
If the National Party caucus had accepted Christopher Luxon’s challenge to replace him and chosen Stanford, would we now be seeing Erica mania?
Richard Prebble is a former Minister and ACT Party leader who writes at I've Been Thinking
Erica? Doing a good job restoring education standards, and facing down the teachers association would have required convictions along with strength - she’s best in that role, at this stage at least.
Am surprised that National isn’t working her success more than it is.
I really like Erica and what she is doing and achieved but I think I recall her back peddling on school boards and recognition of treaty principles that was of concern.
To me, National don't seem to understand that it's the women's vote that controls, right now.
Dig out the Roy Morgan polls, as far back as you can, and see that spelled out very plainly.
Stanford was an obvious choice as leader, if Luxon had gracefully stepped aside about 6 weeks ago.
Many very good 2IC male options - Penk, Brown, Bishop etc.
Elections are a bit like beauty contests these days, and Luxon in a bikini would appeal to a rather narrow audience, I would suggest.
And the party president is exactly the demographic that should be only too aware of these realities.
I think Erica Stanford should be leader imho, but not sure if that's what she really,…
Erica is great but I'll stick with Chris Luxon thanks (oh ye of little faith!)
OMG - Erica is just as woke as "import more Indians Luxon" and "fiddle around the edges Willis".
Simeon Brown is the best option for National leader, now Chris Penk is gone.