In lecture, not too long ago, the topic of balanced networks – namely balanced, triangular networks – was discussed. We defined a balanced network as one containing all three positive links (e.g. a three-person friendship) or one containing two negative links and one positive link (e.g. two friends who mutually dislike another). In class discussions and homework, we were urged to consider why this would be the case:

            It seems intuitive that there would be tension between three negative links, and it also seems rather intuitive that two positive links and one negative link would leave one node (person) in an awkward middle-ground. Consequently we believe that when let alone, these networks proceed toward a more balanced state.

            This idea brings me to the topic of this blog post: Mitt Romney’s public endorsement of John McCain, which can be read in length at:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/14/romney.mccain/

            Although it may seem shocking that Romney – effectively driven out of the running by McCain – would endorse McCain, I argue that this reverts back to the balanced network principle:

It has been quite common – and almost expected in recent years – in history, for a candidate who has just dropped out of the running to publicly endorse another still-in-the-running candidate. Let’s consider this from the standpoint of a triangular network, because typically a drop-out candidate only endorses another when there are at least two candidates still in contention.

            While campaigning, candidates fiercely combat one another during debates, in speeches, in commercials, etc. This, naturally, imposes a largely negative strain on the links between said candidates. For relevance’s sake, we’ll analyze the candidates above. Before Romney dropped out, Republicans were left with (essentially) only McCain, Romney, and Huckabee to decide on – and yes, Ron Paul is running as well, but we’ll just consider the top three as our triangular network.

To ensure their own livelihood, these three candidates are forced to ridicule one another’s campaigns in an attempt to gain ground on their opponents at any given opportunity, and thus we have (during Romney’s campaign) an imbalanced ( - , - , - ) network. However, we notice in the above article that shortly after dropping out of contention, Mitt Romney chose to endorse McCain. This, it seems, would provide evidence of an imbalanced network tending toward a balanced one, as we now have ( + , - , - ) – with the positive link between McCain and Romney, and poor Huckabee being ganged up on. As the article explains, Romney is very happy to endorse McCain and believes that he will be the optimal choice for President in November. All three candidates had been under immense pressure, when battling with two opponents, and consequently, Romney sought his first chance to stabilize the network. We can imagine that McCain also is relieved to have this endorsement, as he now is part of a balanced network, and can focus his own intentions – combined with the wishes of Romney - against his (effectively) sole competition – Huckabee.

Moral: What seems to perhaps be a publicity stunt, is actually a man removing himself from an imbalanced network by forming a friendship.