In the United States, theinvisible primary, also known as themoney primary, is the period between (1) the first well-knownpresidential candidates with strong political support networks showing interest in running for president and (2) demonstration of substantial public support by voters for them inprimaries andcaucuses. During the money primary candidates raise funds for the upcoming primary elections and attempt to garner support of political leaders and donors, as well as the party establishment. Fund raising numbers andopinion polls are used by the media to predict who the front runners for the nomination are. This is a crucial stage of a campaign for the presidency, as the initial frontrunners who raise the most money appear the strongest and will be able to raise even more money. On the other hand, members of the party establishment who find themselves losing the invisible primary, such asMitt Romney in the 2016 race, may abandon hope of successfully running.[1]
During the invisible primary appeals are made and meetings held with the political elite: party leaders, major donors, fundraisers, andpolitical action committees. In contrast to thesmoke-filled room where a small group of party-leaders might at the last minute, in a small meeting room at a political convention, determine the candidate,[2][3][4] the invisible primary refers to the period of jockeying which precedes the first primaries and caucuses and evencampaign announcements. The winners of the invisible primary, such asHillary Clinton andJeb Bush[5] in2016, come into the first primaries and caucuses with a full war chest of money, support from office holders, and an aura of inevitability. Winners of the invisible primary have the support of the leaders of their political party and, in turn, support the political positions of their party; they are insiders, part of the party establishment. They do not always win, asHillary Clinton did not in2008.[1] There is little or nocampaign advertising usingTV, particularly by the candidate, during this period, althoughonline advertising may be used to build mailing lists of grassroots supporters and small contributors.[6]
the behind-the-scenes competition for elite support
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In this current period of television silence, campaign organizations are building an email list that can be used to raise money and target voters