Candidates in a two-person race express very similar positions a few weeks before the election.A voter complains that there is not much difference between the two candidates.What this voter misunderstands or ignores is that
A) each candidate has an incentive to be like the other.
B) each candidate has an incentive to be different from the other.
C) each candidate has an incentive to be perceived as in the "middle of the road," and if both candidates correctly act on this incentive they will end up sounding alike.
D) this simply happens sometimes.
E) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a two-person race, each candidate has an incentive to be perceived as moderate and in the "middle of the road" to appeal to a wider range of voters. If both candidates act on this incentive, they may end up sounding alike on some issues. Therefore, the voter who complains that there is not much difference between the two candidates does not understand the strategic behavior of candidates in a two-person race.

Candidates in a Two-Person Race Express Very Similar Positions a Few