I have effectively dubbed the 2008 presidential election “The Facebook Election.” Facebook was just a little website in 2004, (and then it was only for college students), and the old school and style of politics still reigned supreme. But that was four years ago, which could be a lifetime in political years. Democratic nominee Barack Obama has smashed all previous fundraising records. One statistic has cited that 3.1 million people have contributed to his campaign. I think it’s a safe guess that most of that money came from online donations. The phenomenon of facebook and other social networking sites have effectively ushered in a new era of political activism.
Political pundits have cited that John McCain may be the last candidate ever to take the government matched funds for the general election. Yet another strategy from the old way of thinking in politics. If the Y generation and beyond want to support a candidate, it’s as easy as logging on, and with a few simple clicks, they can join bumper sticker groups like “International Talk Like Sarah Palin Day,” or “Polar Bears for Obama/Biden.” These 'bumper sticker' groups are this election's "I like Ike." These networking sites may prove to be a valuable and centralized resource for political campaign organizers and volunteers.
Voters can encourage others to vote with their status update, or spread the word about a fundraiser or event in a user-friendly format. A supporter of a candidate wouldn't have to know computer jargon and how to paste website codes, they just use a format already posted for them. It could be argued that networking sites are aiding the democratic process- by letting more people have a voice in an election. These sites have become a new form of canvassing, GOTV, and political PR all wrapped in one neat package, with a red, white and blue bow.
User generated sites can also spark new specific sub-groups of political supporters, like “Authors and Book Lovers for Obama/Biden 2008.” Just another point of strategy that campaign organizers can use to target voters, the demographic information is right in front of them in the form of group membership. The new political game has been established by a new generation of political junkies and interested voters alike. So heads up to future (and current) candidates: Log on, tap in, or loose. Much like the 1960's televised debates, political front liners must exploit this new medium if they are to win elections.
I’m already friends with Nebraska’s 2nd district House contender Jim Esch and Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy.
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On a last random note: Tomorrow I am going to go see Hillary Clinton in the morning and Chuck Hagel (R-NE) in the afternoon. Hurray!
-Nebraska Blues
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politics has become a tired, lackluster game, in which the masses have increasingly become ignored...until possible this election. i agree with you that facebook is one of THE factors which allowed obama to be elected as the democratic nominee. the fact that he used facebook instead of the standard upper crust dinners which used to generate campaign funds shows us, americans and non-americans, that he does stand for beneficial change.
another clever tactic in using facebook as a major source of funding is that it is automatically targeted at youth voters, who notoriously do not vote as much as they should. a brilliant strategy!
facebook groups are also indicative of international support candidates get. how many people in australia are for obama versus mccain? well, a simple click of a button is enough to be able to find that out.
this generation, our generation, is more informed. we have opinions, and perhaps the greatest positive accomplishment of the war on terror is this (not to discount the multitude of negative repercussions in any way): it has ignited a spirit of civic responsibility and accountability in the american youth, and the youth of the world over.
another idea: the popularity of networks like facebook allow us and people like us to show our support. And who knows, maybe in the future, cyber hot spots like facebook and others will become forums for discussion for solutions to revitalize our countries and our planet?
maybe a position in obama's advisory committee, outside of the traditional cabinet, will require analysis of american and international opinions on the internet? one can only guess...
i end with this: god bless mark zuckekrberg. his facebook, the american presidential race and a cocktail of world disasters has reignited the spirit of democracy- it is not just for senators to decide our lives, we are part of the decision.
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