As a result they would be taken much more seriously by the media and their overall chances would be greatly improved. The vast majority of democracies in the world use some form of proportional representation. Any countries not listed are either not democratic or their status is unknown. The advantages are many. There is much greater voter participation.
Campaigns tend to be issue oriented rather than popularity contests.
Because American society is so diverse, it is difficult to find issues that will guarantee majority support. Instead, campaign managers fight to attract swing voters who are not attracted to either candidate. They have discovered the most effective way to do this is by smearing the opponent. Swing voters are more influenced by negative campaigns because they are unattracted to the positive positions of either candidate. Under PR, however, a majority is not required to get elected.