Looking at the current potential candidates for the upcoming 2008 election, I've noticed the same old way of doing things when it comes to campaigning. Well I have some new ideas for the future Mitt Romneys and Hillary Clintons of Brickfish to consider.

• Don't be afraid to have a cute slogan/shtick behind your name. Those 'Vote for Pedro' shirts weren't even real but people bought them up in the thousands. People love to be able to jump on a bandwagon slogan and buy the matching socks to go with it. Go ahead and embrace that idea, it only means more people will remember your name.
• Stick to what you believe in. Stop going back and forth to attract viewers. It's very offensive and does not work. Against abortion last month? Okay then, stick to your guns and don't change your honest opinion just because your opinion poll slipped. Everyone doesn't have to love you in order for you to be voted as the best candidate for office. Get over it.
• Get diverse for the right reasons. Yes, Karl Rove helped the Bush campaign immensely but we all saw how that turned out. Voters are as different as they come and want to see that reflected in a nominee. Branch out a little and start getting people on your campaign that are not always the standard white old man but do it because they are the best candidate (which IS possible) not because it will attract more voters.
• Be able to have your mouth write checks that your ass can cash. Which basically means STOP LYING and be prepared to be held accountable for reasonable promises made on the campaign trail. Voters are aware global warming will not disappear overnight so stop promising to do so. Just make an effort to help problems that people actually care about i.e. the environment and human rights.
• Get on television shows/networks that young/middle age people actually watch. Gone are the days of college kids watching the network news anchors for their information. One now has to be willing to loosen up and be grilled by the likes of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. A lot of times, if you can make a young person laugh by showing more of your personality, you will be able to win over them much quicker.