[Idk__Throwaway]

I imagine what they mean is that any time a politician speaks, they must adjust what they say to agree with core voter demographic if they want re-election. Perhaps if they spoke privately they could concede on certain topics and reach a middle ground, then plan a way for each to explain the compromise to their voters.

In a public forum people would likely view the compromise as one or both politicians "losing" and a mixture of ego and fear of not getting re-elected would prevent either party from giving ground and taking more measured approach.