[Offtopic] 'The Internet Flexes Political Muscle'

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Fwd: Weekly PoliTicker

The Internet Flexes Political Muscle  
Story Of The Week May 25, 2007 
 
The 2008 cycle is showing that Internet companies are becoming a large 
force in presidential politics.

On July 23rd, both Google and YouTube along with CNN will be the media 
sponsors for the first DNC sanctioned debate. 

Last week, MySpace and YouTube both announced online town hall meetings 
with the presidential contenders, scheduled for January. 

MySpace plans an online primary for its users during the same month. 

The trend is clear. From Social networking sites to video hubs, these 
companies are playing a role in the 2008 election.

These internet companies open a new door into presidential campaigns, but 
what will the ultimate affect on the outcome be? Campaigns are realizing 
they must evolve from a top-down management style, which means the 
campaigns lose some control. But the smart campaigns are learning how to 
harness this new power. 

Both Sen. Obama and Fmr. Sen. Edwards are credited with creating online 
communities to bolster their support. 

For example, if you go to either of their websites the candidates' 
pictures are not prominent, but tools to become apart of the team are 
everywhere. Edwards' and Obama's campaign Web sites are an invitation to 
a community, and not just a place to learn a biography or a political 
position. 

On the Republican side, Fmr. Gov. Romney and Rep. Paul have successfully 
ridden at least one internet wave. Romney used YouTube along with his 
Presidential website to sign up 24,000 supporters in 24 hours. 

For the past week, Paul has the most YouTube downloads of any Republican 
contender.

No longer is the campaign about the candidates, but it is about the 
candidates' supporters and what they can accomplish together. 

In 2004, Howard Dean repeatedly said, "you have the power." Meaning it 
was his supporters that propelled him to the front of the pack. Not the 
media. Not his campaign advisors. 

But it was the people using the power of the Web, who believed they could 
change the country. 
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Cheers all ..
Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia