Before Barack Obama gave his victory speech, there were pundits heralding his use of the internet and how it was probably the biggest reason he won the election. Now, these pundits were mostly refering to his use of online fundraising on his website, I think that it was internet media in general that helped him. He ran a extremely grass-roots campaign, but I also think that it was an extremely tube-roots campaign (if you'll allow me to invent that phrase). What I mean by that is people, not necessarily even connected with his campaign, were able to post on blogs, and forums their opinions on the candidates. If you look at the demographics (
here and
here) it wouldn't be unbelievable to say that Obama conected with the youth vote through the internet.
So I feel that the more time that passes, the more people will be saying that the internet is now essential to any future political campaign.
3 comments:
i agree. i bet the history books will have a section about the use of internet for a campaign, and link Obama's success to his use of it. Also, i think Obama's use of internet for his campaign will set a precedent for elections down the road.
-Adrienne
I couldn't agree more. I don't think it will be possible to even consider winning an election unless you mobilize the vast numbers of people that Obama did. And in this current technological climate that means using the internet and whatever other technologies (texts, twitter, etc) you can get you hands on to reach as many people as possible. Obama's campaign has not only had an effect on all future campaigns, he has revolutionized the entire process. His campaign was historic not only because of his color but because he used absolutely every resource to get his message out there.
I would like to add that Obama and other politicians should consider themselves lucky that they are in politics in the age of internet. They have such a headstart compared to politicians that had to literally go door to door to ask for a vote and relate to their voters a few decades ago. The conclusion being if a politician is popular, the internet can seal the deal.
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