In The Know

As a passionate advocate, you know your cause inside and out. But what you may not know is why some people oppose your movement, as well as the things that motivate them to prevent you from reaching your campaign goals. If that’s the case, it’s time to conduct thorough opposition research.

What Is Opposition Research?

Opposition research involves the systematic collection and analysis of information regarding adversarial entities. It is a practice commonly used in political campaigns, though it can be beneficial for advocacy groups or non-profits. 

Despite what you may initially assume, however, opposition research is not about digging up dirt for the sake of scandal. It’s about understanding the landscape you are operating in, identifying who opposes you, and above all, determining what their stance is. 

Benefits of Studying Those Who Oppose You

Proper opposition research can help you accomplish the following:

Identify Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the primary advantages of studying your opponents is being able to pinpoint where they excel and where they falter. And when you understand those details, you can craft more effective strategies to counter their influence. 

For example, let’s say you are advocating for environmental protection, and your opposition has a strong track record in economic development. Understanding that strength will allow you to prepare data and counterarguments that emphasize the inherent flaws of their plans.

Anticipate Counterarguments

On the subject of counterarguments, you’re bound to face these from your opposition just as you intend to use them, which means you must prepare to ensure your campaign’s success. Opposition research allows you to anticipate what these arguments will be and to formulate responses that effectively address them.

If you’re advocating for increased funding for public schools, for instance, your opposition might argue that taxes will have to be raised to cover the costs. By anticipating that argument, you can gather evidence showing how better-funded schools will lead to long-term economic benefits, such as a more educated workforce and reduced crime rates, ultimately offsetting the initial investment.

Craft Targeted Messages 

Roughly one-third of Americans turn to social media for news and educational content on important social topics. Opposition research provides valuable insights into the values, priorities, and concerns of your opponents and their supporters. By understanding these aspects, you can tailor your messaging to resonate more deeply with your target audience, helping you connect with that growing segment of the population and ensure your message is heard, 

You can also craft content that sways middle-of-the-road voters who may have mixed sentiments about the issues at hand. Opposition research helps you create more educational, fact-based, and impactful content, which is hard for even the staunchest members of your opposition to counter. 

Build Alliances

Your research can also help you identify and connect with potential allies. You may, for instance, discover that certain groups or individuals who appear to be in opposition actually share some common ground with your cause. 

Let’s say you encounter a business association that opposes environmental regulations. They fear that these regulations will lead to increased costs, negatively impacting their membership. However, you determine that they are interested in adopting sustainable practices that can reduce long-term operational expenses. Highlighting these mutual interests can set the stage for new partnerships. 

Compose Nuanced Arguments

Rhetoric and emotionally charged campaigns can solidify the positions of those who are already in your corner. However, they can also alienate undecided moderates who are torn between supporting your issue and opposing it. 

Nuanced, fact-based arguments are more impactful than having a way with words. Use opposition research to gauge how much the general public knows about your cause. And from there, educate them so they can better understand the importance of your movement and go on to make informed decisions.

Enhance Credibility and Trust

When you demonstrate a deep understanding of the issues at hand and the various perspectives involved, your arguments become more compelling and persuasive. Moreover, thorough opposition research can help you avoid common pitfalls, like engaging in mudslinging. 

Instead of resorting to insults and stretching the truth, you can use facts and avoid spreading misinformation. Maintaining your integrity and preserving your organization’s reputation is critical in the age of information, where everything you say can easily be fact-checked. 

Improve Resource Allocation 

Funding and volunteer support are often tough to come by in the world of advocacy, seeing as the average person has dozens of different causes and issues vying for their attention. With that in mind, if someone does decide to support your movement, whether through donations or volunteer efforts, make sure you leverage those resources wisely.

Opposition research can inform your strategic planning and resource allocation processes. Suppose that your research reveals your opposition is firmly entrenched in a particular neighborhood, but an adjacent neighborhood primarily consists of voters who have not made up their minds about the issue at hand. You could focus your resources and marketing efforts on the undecided group, stacking the odds in favor of swaying their opinions and garnering support. 

Understand the Road Ahead With Aristotle

Researching your opposition requires an abundance of solid data. And Aristotle, a leader in political data, can provide you with actionable insights you can leverage to create more impactful advocacy campaigns. 

Our database includes tens of millions of records and can help you connect with your audience while simultaneously informing counterarguments. If you’d like to learn more about how Aristotle can support your advocacy campaign, schedule a demo with us today.