Finessing a point: augmenting the core

The “finesse point” introduced here extends the notion of a core point; it can be viewed as an optimal location for a candidate in that it requires a minimal reaction to counter moves made by an opponent. The definition is motivated by the dynamics of positive and negative political campaigning, and it includes the “finagle point” (when defined) as a special case. It is used to define a “malicious point,” which is an optimal location for a candidate to engage in “negative campaigning.”