[alva]

> Political campaigns, outside of the States, are very much bootstrapped

Get real.

edit: Considering the response perhaps I should qualify. The major parties in most developed countries have permanent election teams with multi-million pound budgets. I cannot see why my response is in any way controversial.

[ceejayoz]

The US is mostly unique in having 18-24 months to fundraise, A/B test, staff up, etc.

edit: Regarding this...

> The major parties in all developed countries have permanent election teams with many multi-million pound budgets.

That's very likely. However, the bursty nature of elections means they're probably also onboarding thousands of volunteers and temporary staff in a very short period of time.

[walrus01]

a Canadian political campaign (Federal) lasts at most 45 days, with probably an estimated 45-60 days of additional lead up time to prepare for it when it's obvious a vote is going to be called... The parties still seem to find plenty of money to spend on 4/5-star hotels, chartered airplanes, staff, etc.