from www.whitehouse.govThe elections of 2008 have changed not only the way in which politicians run for office, but also the way in which they communicate and interact with those they serve. The use of the Web was at core of this major shift and more specifically social media. These technologies have enabled true grassroots political movements to become completely viable, instead of just interesting concepts. The Obama/Biden 2008 presidential campaign took full advantage of this medium during the race and are still doing so today.

Political Web

from www.barackobama.com

The use of websites is not necessarily new in the political scene, but the level to which they are used in campaigns will forever be different. What used to be a very small, minor part of a full-on marketing onslaught is now, or should be now, one of its core components. The use of things like blogs and videos have allowed politicians to rally supporters like never before. It is an incredibly efficient way to organize a movement. Gathering those supporters and providing them with the tools to spread the message is really the essence of a grassroots movement and this evolving technology is taking this idea to a whole new level.

The Obama campaign did this through a fantastic website that provided video messages from President Obama himself and other leaders in his political campaign along with regular blog posts by the same group of people. It also housed his political platform so there was never any misunderstanding about where he stood on any issue. Email campaigns were used in conjunction with the website and were also very effective. It was incredibly simple to get on the mailing list and once you were there was no doubt you would be completely informed. These email campaigns were used to rally supports and also to raise funds.

The Funds

All of these tools were used together to spread the movement and to raise funds like never before. Instead of having a small number of large donors, the funds were derived from millions of supporters. Making the donation process incredibly easy played a huge part in it's effectiveness. In a matter of a few minutes and a couple clicks you could have donated to the cause. Donations were often requested at times of need or to combat particular issues or problems. Supporters were given the feeling that their funds were being directed towards the exact causes they believed in. People became excited about the movement and excited to give and be a part of it. These were not millionaires, these were average folks who were given the opportunity to be a part of something much larger than them and they took it and the energy spread like a virus across the country.

Socialized

@whitehouseThe explosion of social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) played a larger role than ever before in the 2008 political campaigns as well. This is certainly uncharted territory, so I don't think anyone really knew how these tools would be used, how the reception would be, and how effective they would be. Whether you were an Obama supporter or a McCain supporter you have to tip your hat to the innovative way the Obama/Biden campaign utilized these resources.

Social media essentially spurred a new generation grassroots movement. The interconnectedness of social media and the sheer number of people involved in these technologies has created a pretty impressive network. I don't think the term "viral marketing" has ever been more relevant. The speed at which a message can spread across the country is mind boggling. From the politician's standpoint this can be both good and bad, but the bottom line here is that citizens are so much more informed than at any other time in our courtry's history.

New Politics

from www.whitehouse.govThe elections are long gone. In fact we've just passed Obama's 100th day in office. How are these newly used technologies working now? Did all the politicians just stop blogging, twittering, and recording videos? The Web (social media included) has provided citizens a level of transparency I don't think any of us are used to. It is incredibly refreshing to actually feel like you are involved in the political process and this is very largely due to the level that the Obama administrator is using the Web. They have really set the bar once again and I think this will continue to spread throughout our political system. We are beginning to expect this. Again, whether you agree with the current administration's ideas or not, you have to appreciate how they are changing the political scene for the better. From here forward we will expect this transparency in all levels of our government. Only good can come from more involvement from the people in government built for the people by the people.