House of Representatives Campaign Strategies
This article is an excellent example of both competitive relationships, as well as game theory. In a sense, politics can be very closely compared to game just as well as a traditional athletic sport. Rather than physical challenge, it entails much more of a psychological battle, but like a sport there is a winner and a loser, and two or more sides competing against each other. What makes this article particularly interesting is the way it draws attention to the strategy of the political game, highlighting the “offensive” and “defensive” plays. Each party has a fixed amount of money they can spend on their respective campaigns, and they must decide the most effective way to spend it. The game theory element becomes apparent when the outcome of each parties decision is affected by the other party’s choice as well. Take the following chart as an example of the possible strategies each party could take in attempt to secure the majority of the House of Representatives in the coming election:
|
(R,D) |
Republican Offense |
Republican 50/50 |
Republican Defense |
|
Democrat Offense |
-5,5 |
-2,2 |
5,0 |
|
Democrat 50/50 |
0,5 |
0,0 |
5,0 |
|
Democrat Defense |
5,0 |
2,-2 |
5,-5 |
This chart is a result of the current House of Representatives Republican majority. Since the Republicans already hold most of the seats, the remaining democratic seats become even harder for the republicans to seize control of, which explains the low probability of payoff if the Republicans take an entirely offensive approach. They would only get a payoff if the democrats take an entirely defensive approach, because that would suggest the democrats would not acquire any additional seats and the Republicans would still have the majority. On the other hand, if the Republicans took a very defensive strategy they would have the greatest chance of guaranteeing that they remain the majority, giving the democrats almost no way of winning. When you break down the political strategies and gains/losses in this table, it’s clear to see why the article is suggesting the republicans are being very daring with their offensive strategy in the upcoming election: If they win over the steadfast democratic seats then they take even more of the majority of the house, but if they give up their existing seats which are more vulnerable, they may lose the majority entirely and give control over to the Democrats. Considering the democrats are spending 70% of their funds on an offensive strategy, I would say that the Republicans may be making a big mistake in their decision.