To demonstrate he’s the best one for the job of going against them, maybe? Is’t that kinda what the Primay is for? To pick an opponent for their pick in the general?
Win the primary by scorched earth tactics to a degree you lose the consultation support of you primary opponent’s supporters is a good way to lose the general.
And lose the primary and you never get to fight in the general.
Cheese and crackers, where do you nincompoops come from?