In New Hampshire, Candidates Deploy Range of Tactics to Make the Most of In-Person Campaigning

Montana Governor Steve Bullock chats with voters at a Politics and Eggs event in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Josh Rogers/NHPR)

On a recent Friday morning, an audience of businesspeople lined up for photos with Montana Gov. Steve Bullock.

Bullock, who’s running for the Democratic presidential nomination, appeared at ease when it came time to grip-and-grin. He offered lots of eye contact, a firm handshake, the occasional clap on the back.

Bullock got close, but not too close. He wore cowboy boots and made laconic small talk.

“I rather would have gone out to Montana to see you; it’s beautiful country,” a voter said.

“It’s not a bad spot, although you’ve got some beauty here as well,” Bullock replied.

This kind of sustained proximity between candidate and voter is one thing that has distinguished New Hampshire from almost every other place where would-be presidents seek votes: face-to face interaction, the chance for small talk. And everyone – candidates and voters alike – gets the chance to feel improved by the experience, however fleeting it may be.

Read the rest of the story at NHPR’s website.