Case Study from Inside a Presidential Campaign in the 100th New Hampshire Primary: Analyzing the Hillary for New Hampshire Field Organization

Christopher McKenna, Western Kentucky University

Document Type Thesis

Abstract

On the 100th anniversary of the New Hampshire primary, this case study analyzes a high profile political campaign in order to add to the discussion on the extent to which campaigns matter. The New Hampshire Primary is disproportionately important in the nomination process as the nation’s first primary; therefore, it is vital candidates perform well in the Granite State. I use my experience as a fellow on former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s campaign in the Democratic Primary to critically analyze the campaign organization in New Hampshire. This case study will attempt to answer how Secretary Clinton’s field organization affected the results of the New Hampshire primary and add to the conversation on if, when, and to what extent campaigns matter.