I think politicians only learn this when in opposition, and for long enough. Only once they see that what worked for them N years ago is falling flat and flatte

I think politicians only learn this when in opposition, and for long enough. Only once they see that what worked for them N years ago is falling flat and flatter again on its face, do they change. By the way, I think that's a clear benefit of a multi-party system. When there's only two, you don't really compete for most of your voters, because they will vote for you no matter what. It is only the marginal voters that need your attention, so there's plenty of opportunity to slack off. But when you can't take your own electorate for granted, you suddenly become much more attune to how you need to reach them.