Beat the Incumbent - by Louis Perron (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Incumbents enjoy many advantages when they seek reelection, but their distinct disadvantages (such as not fulfilling promises or staying within the status quo) are ripe weaknesses for opposing candidates to knock them down. Studying the US's Barack Obama, Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, and France's Emmanuel Macron, among many other candidates, political strategist Louis Perron, PhD, describes tactics to assess the strength of the incumbent, the quality of the challenger, and how to control and win a campaign.

Readers interested in running for office or in assisting a political campaign will learn how to build a top-notch team, define your target audience, increase your media presence, develop your message, advertise effectively, deliver great speeches, and prepare to win debates. For relatively new challengers, Perron demonstrates how lack of experience has become less important and how these weaknesses can be neutralized. When campaigns turn ugly and play dirty, he instructs candidates how to combat against character attacks and how they can make a comeback if they lose the election.

With over a decade of experience orchestrating political campaigns around the globe, Perron's Beat the Incumbent is the essential step-by-step guide for any level of political office to challenge an incumbent and, once victory is claimed, how you can avoid the same traps to effect change and win reelection.

Review Quotes

I have known Dr. Louis Perron for many years and it has always been a refreshing experience to listen to his reports and analysis. I have described his presentations as 'like walking in the garden barefoot.' I say that because I always come away fully grounded. You will too, after reading his book.
--Ferdinand Bongbong Romualdez Marcos JR., President of the Republic of the Philippines

Whether you're a political scientist, journalist, or first-time candidate on the ballot, we can all learn from the lessons and results of several engaging campaigns. Perron provides a strategic landscape for how modern campaigns are won and lost in today's unpredictable and often hostile political terrain.
--Donna Brazile, former Interim Chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee

Dr. Perron's analysis is spot on. But this book is much more. It is a rare view inside the mind of an artist and master craftsman. If you want to really know how elections are won, start with this book.
--John Zogby, founder of the Zogby International poll and author of The Way We'll Be

A thoughtful compendium of campaign advice combining theory and practice authored by a consultant whose political experience is both deep and broad. If you are running, or helping a candidate run, or just want to understand political campaigns, you should be reading this very helpful book. If you're a serious campaigner, the pages will soon be dog-eared, as you'll find yourself referring to it often.
--Mark Mellman, pollster, strategist, and Hall of Fame member of the American Association of Political Consultants

If candidates follow Dr. Louis Perron's advice on the importance of a central compelling message, it could make the difference between victory and defeat. The importance of a succinct raison d'tre cannot be overemphasized.
--Carlton Ballowe, Chairman of the Republican Committee, Nelson County, Virginia

Dr. Perron is the ultimate expert in winning elections. If you're serious about running, read this book.
--Andrea Römmele, Dean and Professor at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin

Louis Perron combines analytical ability with a hands-on campaign approach. His book provides a rare transnational insight into the world of campaigning. Candidates, practitioners and academics will love it.
--Dr. Thomas Hofer, Political Analyst

Beat the Incumbent is a compelling guide for political experts and candidates that offers an insightful blend of scholarly research and practical experience. Louis Perron provides a promising model and campaigning strategies adaptable to various political contexts.
--Romain Lachat, Associate Professor at Centre for Political Research at Sciences Po

With fascinating real-world examples, Beat the Incumbent provides hands-on advice for political candidates based on Louis Perron's many years as a political consultant. He tells you in a refreshingly open and direct manner how to win elections as a political challenger. Even if you are not running for office, you will learn an immense amount about how electoral campaigning works in contemporary democracies.

--Hanspeter Kriesi, Professor at European University Institute

An accessible but detailed expert guide to the nuts and bolts of successfully challenging incumbents. . . . Campaign strategists for challengers would be wise to, far ahead of November 2024, read Perron's step-by-step guide to take on incumbents at any level of government.
--Washington Examiner