Not sure how well this would work online, but I have used this tactic to lead to several decisive victories (now on TR in campaign mode).
Start out with a candidate who is very high in charisma and fundraising ability, but lacks military experience, religious, and experience. Intelligence too. I am not sure who would fit this, I use a custom character. In real life would translate to a younger politician probably, but someone who has integrity, etc. Anyways, build up your HQs to the max in the key states, Cali Texas NY Florida and if you have time PA. Dont do anything else, just this. Move your POs to the state where you plan to move next. Also, raise funds if you get a chance, especially in Cali. Build up these key states, and try to set up HQs in all the key states. If you have time left before the VP is selected, get a web guy, and build up tv ads in one state on the big issues. By now you should be raking in the money, so try to get some political capital.
Now get someone who has a lot of experience as a VP. I always go with Clinton. Now spend a few turns getting political capital, and get the endorsements. The big ones you need are (in order of importance): the world one, the union one, and the environment one. This should solidify your states you have, a open up the smaller ones. From this point, just play normally, and build a ton of national TV ads. This has worked perfectly for me.
