Noam Chomsky: “The elections are run by the same guys who sell toothpaste.”
http://www.chomsky.info/talks/2005012502.htm
Actually, Chomsky has gone a step too far here. Campaign strategists are specialists. Political promotion and product promotion run along parallel lines.
Perhaps there are aspects of political marketing that have been neglected by conventional marketing? The crafters of political campaigns know that “air war” needs to be combined with “boots.” TV, radio, print, mass mailings are all great and important, but individual interaction can’t be forgotten or left to chance. Rallies and other events keep supporters motivated and creates converts. And from convert to evangelist is just a short step.