IV. Coping Strategies: The "Democratic Capitalist" Way

We cannot change the voting system (e.g., to Condorcet or RCV) before the election. We must cope with the current rules. Here is how a Democratic Capitalist wins in a bimodal system.

Strategy A: Close the Perception Gap

• The Insight: Do not conflate "Twitter/X discourse" with primary voter intent. The data shows that while elites want extremism, rank-and-file voters often want stability and competence.

• The Tactic: Bypass the "policy demanders." Use direct voter contact (canvassing, town halls) to validate that your "Democratic Capitalist" stance—pro-market and pro-safety net—resonates more than the "artificial extremism" of your opponents.

• The Mantra: "I am not moving to the center; I am standing where the voters actually are."

Strategy B: The "Representative Claim"

Michael Saward's theory of the "Representative Claim" suggests that you don't just reflect a constituency; you create it by how you define it.

• The Trap: Do not let opponents define you as "Diet Republican" or "Republican Lite." That frames you in relation to them.

• The Fix: Frame "Democratic Capitalism" as the Adult in the Room.

  • Message: "While the extremes fight culture wars (centrifugal force), I am focused on the economics that keep your house insured and your business running (centripetal force)."

  • Make the "bimodal" dysfunction the enemy. You are not the "middle"; you are the bridge over the broken valley in Figure 6.

Strategy C: "Robust Responsiveness" vs. Pandering

• The Insight: Voters punish "flip-flopping" (which happens when you fake extremism in the primary and pivot later).

• The Tactic: Maintain consistency. Unlike the typical Democrat who shifts left then centers, you will maintain the Democratic Capitalist line from Day 1.

• Why it Works: In a high-information environment, authenticity acts as a shield. Even voters who disagree with you on one issue will respect the consistency, distinguishing you from the "strategic modulators" identified in the research.