What defines the shift to candidate-centered politics?

The shift to candidate-centered politics is characterized primarily by the promotion of individual candidate campaigns. This means that voters are more focused on the candidates themselves rather than on the political parties they represent. In this model, candidates cultivate their own personal brands and appeal directly to voters through their individual agendas, charisma, and public presence. This approach allows candidates to differentiate themselves from their party’s platform and connect more personally with constituents, thereby influencing their chances of success in elections.

This focus on the individual also reflects broader changes in political communication, where candidates utilize various media platforms to reach voters directly, bypassing traditional party channels. This trend has been amplified by the rise of social media, allowing candidates to create their own narratives and engage with the electorate in personalized and immediate ways.

The other options reflect characteristics of more traditional party-driven politics. Strong reliance on party funding emphasizes the party's control over resources rather than the individual candidate's ability to mobilize support. Management by traditional party leaders suggests a centralized approach that limits candidates' autonomy. Lastly, delegating all campaign issues to party platforms indicates a stance where candidates align strictly with party positions rather than crafting their distinct messages. Therefore, the correct answer captures the essence of the evolving political landscape where candidates play a central role in shaping