First Mover Advantage
My mind is still on the latest election results. I don’t know why, but this election gives me such a rush of adrenaline that I could not stop thinking about it.
Speculations are abound about the presidential election coming up, especially on the forming of coalitions to nominate candidates.
If you are not going to nominate anyone from within, but you want to do it in your own terms, I believe you should move quickly, in fact you should move first.
In the bargaining game, first mover has a huge advantage. Especially in a short (one) period game. First, you set your terms, what you really want out of the candidates. Offer your support to your first choice candidates, their only options being to accept or reject your terms. If it’s still early in the game, they know you have the option to offer it to others.
I know this is too simplistic, but in general, first mover has an upper hand because he can make an offer the other player can’t refuse. The candidates get your votes (albeit in your terms) versus none of your votes. Surely something is better than nothing.
Now, the candidates can make you commit to them, by revealing (to public) that you offer them your supports. If everyone knows your preference, you are less likely to change.