Winning Edge

Commonwealth Partners

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GOVERNMENT
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Giving you the tools to lead and influence in the policy arena.

FEB 4

#68 The Gas Station Pitch

Every candidate needs a short gas station pitch: the 60–90 second version of why you’re running. It’s the answer you give at a gas station, a coffee shop, or the church lobby when someone asks, “So why are you running?” The challenge is there’s not much time. Do you talk about issues? Yourself? Them? Do you ask a question? Here’s a simple formula that keeps your pitch friendly and conversational. The Gas Station Pitch Say your name and the office you’re running for.Name one problem you’re running to fix.Ask an open-ended question.For example: “Hi, I’m John Smith, running for State Representative. I’m running to fix the roads here, they’ve become a real problem the last couple of years. What’s the one issue you’d like to see fixed at the Capitol?” The goal here is to be remembered. Most people make a quick gut decision about whether they like you. Being friendly helps, but it’s not enough. When they talk about you later, they don’t want to say, “I just liked him.” They want to say: “He seemed nice and I liked what he said about fixing the roads.” By naming one specific problem you want to fix, you give people a reason for why they liked you. The pitch worked if someone remembers you an hour later. If they can’t finish the sentence, “He’s the candidate who wants to fix ___” your pitch isn’t ready. As you’re running for office, spend time on your Gas Station Pitch. Pick one issue with broad appeal. Practice saying it clearly, and end with a question. Checkout our one page PDF Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion. For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.

3 min
JAN 21

#67 Workout Your Stump Speech

After ending Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld threw out his old material and rebuilt a stand-up act from scratch. In the documentary Comedian, you see even a legend bomb, forget punchlines, and get heckled—then keep going. That’s the lesson for candidates: speeches don’t get good by thinking. They get good by reps. Your stump speech needs a gym. Over the next few months, every event—Lincoln Day dinners, Rotary clubs, community meetings—is a chance to test what works. The Hand Approach (from Winning Edge #48) Hook – Story, statistic, or questionHold – 3 things, 2 contrasts, or 1 big ideaHurdle – Address the objection people won’t say out loudHandoff – Clear call to actionWhat to practice Hook: why you’re running, character stories, questions, statsHold: 3 priorities, 2 reasons, 1 defining issueHurdle: name and answer the concern in their headHandoff: sign up, give, volunteerTreat every speaking opportunity as an experiment. Keep what lands. Cut what doesn’t. By spring, you’ll have a clear, tested stump speech that works. Check out our free one page [Free PDF Here] Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion. For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.

4 min
JAN 7

#66 Create a Fundraising System, Not a Goal

Most candidates don’t fail at fundraising because they can’t do it. They fail because they never get started. In this episode, we break down why systems beat goals when it comes to raising money—and how a small, repeatable fundraising system compounds fast over a campaign cycle. Key takeaways: Why 50–100 focused fundraising hours is usually enough to winThe hidden flaw in “goal-first” fundraising plansHow a systems-first approach removes friction and procrastinationTwo simple fundraising systems that work:Time-based: 1–2 hours per week (or per day for statewide races)Activity-based: 10 calls per week (or 20 calls per day)How systems shift your identity—from “someone who needs to fundraise” to a good fundraiserRelated episodes: The 10-Call Rule – Winning Edge #464 Steps to Start Your Fundraising – Winning Edge #18Download the one-page summary: [PDF Link Here] Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion. For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.

4 min
12/17/2025

#65 The Middle of a Good Story

Most people know how to start a story. But few know how to keep people listening once they’re in it. In this episode, we break down what actually makes the middle of a story work, using a Nate Bargatze clip (played in the episode) as the case study. Key ideas: Why great storytellers rely heavily on dialogueHow two or three details can paint an entire sceneWhy stories move through action and reaction, not timelinesThe difference between a story and a Wikipedia entryHow cause-and-effect keeps listeners engagedA simple framework to use immediately: Open strongAdd dialogueAdd a few detailsShow action then reactionGood stories are never great the first time. You need to test it, revise it, and tell it again. [Free PDF Here for Making a Story Using the Tools Discussed Here] Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion. For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.

4 min
12/03/2025

#64 How to Start a Story People Want to Hear

The hardest part of storytelling is knowing where to begin.Most people start with way too much setup… or none at all.Use one simple formula to fix it:“So…” + Specific Time + Person + Action + Place + Goal/TensionWhy it works: your listener instantly knows what’s happening and why it matters.A good opening line buys you attention for the next 90 seconds.Keep stories tight: 90–120 seconds is enough to land a point.Script your first line, test it, tweak it, and use it everywhere.Download the one-page summary: [PDF Link Here] Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion. For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.

4 min
11/12/2025

#63 Focus on What We Control

Summary Over the last 25 years, American politics has swung back and forth like a pendulum—every “permanent majority” has proven temporary. From Bush’s “thumpin’” in 2006 to Trump’s return in 2024, one truth stands out: no single win defines the next one. This episode is a reminder to focus on what we can control. Key Points 2000: Florida recount and a divided nation.2004: Talk of a “permanent Republican majority.”2006–2008: Democrats surge back under Bush and Obama.2010–2024: Power ping-pongs between parties nearly every cycle.Lesson: Politics never stays still, and neither should your campaign strategy.Takeaway The best strategy isn’t predicting the future, it’s preparing for it. You control how many fundraising calls you make.You control how well you prepare and practice. You control how deeply you connect.Quote of the Week “Work with what you have control of and you’ll have your hands full.” — Admiral James StockdaleSource: Stockdale, Courage Under Fire: Testing Epictetus’s Doctrines in a Laboratory of Human Behavior (Hoover Essays Book 6), pp. 7–8. Listen or download the one-page summary: [PDF Link] Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion. For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.

3 min
10/29/2025

#62 Letting Voters Change Their Minds

Twenty days before the 1980 election, Reagan’s team debated one question: should he face Carter again?A memo warned his biggest hurdle was proving he was competent, compassionate, and not dangerous.In the final debate, Reagan asked, “Are you better off than you were four years ago?”That single question swung the race and gave voters permission to change their minds.The best closing messages do three things:Decide the emotion you want voters to feel.Make it safe for them to change their mind.Provide a simple fact they can use to explain their decision to themselves and others.Reagan didn’t tell voters what to think. He asked what they felt. To learn more, download this PDF one-pager. Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion. For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.

5 min
10/15/2025

#61 Spiking Your Audience’s Attention

Even the best speakers lose people after 90 seconds.To keep attention high, use attention spikes—moments that re-engage your audience.Think of attention like a power line: if you go too long between interesting moments, it sags.Add “power poles” every 6–10 minutes to lift energy and reset focus.Five ways to create attention spikes:Tell a Story – Short, 30–90 seconds, to reinforce a key point.Ask a Question – Get people thinking or responding.Play a Short Video – A quick clip can reset energy and add humor.Create a Mystery – Reveal part of a chart or image to spark curiosity.Run a Quick Poll – Invite participation and self-reflection.Plan your spikes before you speak. One every 10 minutes keeps your audience engaged.Download the one-pager recap of this episode (PDF) Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion. For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.

5 min

Giving you the tools to lead and influence in the policy arena.

Creator

Commonwealth Partners
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

68
Rating

Clean
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Winning Edge