On the Campaign Trail
"Campaign behavior for wives: Always be on time. Do as little talking as humanly possible. Lean back in the parade car so everybody can see the president."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Presidential candidate Harry S. Truman's advisors' critique of his campaign performance (document on the left) suggested that he smile more, as "smiles and anecdotes, particularly those bringing out the human side of the president, reacted favorably on the crowds."
Campaining is more than smiling and waving, however. Candidates must also convey their message to a broad spectrum of the American people. Life on the campaign trail can be extremely exhausting. Major political campaigns in the United States often run longer than in other democracies - with some campaigns beginning years before the election date.