why do candidates care about moderates?

Question

history,moderate is between conservative or liberal involvement in government

Answer 1

There are more moderates in this country than there are far left and far right voters put together.

Answer 2

Because moderates might constitute the majority of the voting populace in their district. Not everyone is an obviously identifiable conservative or liberal, but choose a middle ground, instead. Some people may hold some conservative notions, but also a few liberal ones, and are hence something of a political mixed bag. At any rate, it never hurts to pitch the ball to the middle.

Answer 3

From a few polls observed when it is not near election time you will find many people claim that they are moderates but in truth they do have the tendancy to lean one way or another.

That out of the way I may be able to progress on why there is such a strain on moderate voters/congressmen/statesmen.

As a moderate you claim no official stance on whom you are going to choose in an election. These are viewed as "easy pickings" to both party since all they have to do is convince you, a moderate, that thier side is better and then you vote for them in that election. Whenever you already have your base firmly behind you you will grasp for every vote you can since it is increasingly difficult to reach out to the other party's members to join your side for the election.

Moderates in office, however, are something different, particularly when it's in the Senate. When you are a moderate in office you will be approached by both sides to convince you to join thier side to a) help them have a majority, b) have your vote in whatever proposition they have lined up. This is particularly important whenever a consequential and contreversial topic is on the floor.

Answer 4

In a close race, it is the moderate and independent votes (often referred to as "swing votes") that will determine the winner in an election. The polls don't really seem to be able to get a read on just how these votes will be reflected in an actual election, however, the candidates know full well how important these votes can be.

Answer 5

Probably because moderates don't always vote with their party and can "swing" a vote either way. Similar to the Supreme Court now that Sandra Day O'Conner is gone. Without her the court is definitely leaning right (conservative).

Answer 6

During election time the candidates pretend they care about everybody.

Answer 7

Because that's where 99% of the $ is...

Answer 8

coz ......... they can appeal to both side, silly