Why Do Politicians Always Say 'I'm Not Running for Office, Really!'?

Politicians say they're not running for office to trick people. It's like when you pretend you don't want a cookie, but then you eat it anyway. If someone says, 'I’m not running!', it feels more surprising when they do run, and that makes everyone pay more attention.

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Examples

  1. A politician says they're not running for office, but everyone knows they are.
  2. When a candidate claims they’re not going to run, their supporters pretend they believe them, just in case it’s true.
  3. If you say you aren't coming to the party, but then you show up, people are more excited.

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