I’ve always thought a smart conservative candidate could stay below the media’s radar & wait until everyone was sick of the early birds before getting in.
I agree but I don’t think they have a choice.
Other success factors:
1) Avoid anyone residing in DC, No VA or MD as a consultant, adviser, planner, spokesman, etc.
2) Decline free paper and electronic subscriptions to the Washington Post and NY Times. Prevent campaign staff from reading them also.
3) Campaign, then poll - not the other way round.
4) Go negative. Early. ‘He’s going negative!’ the press will say. SO WHAT? Line crossed. Big deal. What’s the alternative? Going positive? Didn’t the last two GOP candidates try that?