1. The Internet in modern political campaigning Introduction to the future of politics

2. Candidates face a number of problems communicating with voters Less and less attention to the news Less and less news of politics to pay attention to – Anything other than presidential/senatorial is almost ignored “Transaction costs,” especially in contributing to campaigns Inability to provide more than ‘sound bite’ explanations of their policies Negative campaigning/advertising Members of electorate as “audience” rather than as constituents

3. The Internet The low costs and versatility of the Internet allow the candidate to address many of the problems outlined above The main Internet actions by candidates themselves have focused on: – Fundraising (brilliant success for Dean, Obama, Tea Party candidates) – Providing extensive explanation of candidate positions – Political organization and social networking Obama – Distributing political advertising, etc. to targeted groups

4. Internet options Traditional websites – Great majority of candidates now have them E-mails to partisans Social networking – Facebook – Twitter Podcasts Distribution of advertising – Targeting – Broadcasting

5. https://donate.barackobama.com/page/content/spla shsignup_welcome https://donate.barackobama.com/page/content/spla shsignup_welcome http://www.johnmccain.com/splash32615.htm

6. Content outside of candidate control YouTube Facebook Blogs News sites – Newspaper – TV Webcasts of talk radio, etc. Chatrooms/listservs

10. Candidate online strategy Speak to your existing support – Provide updates, encouragement, information for them to use on your behalf Issue positions/information – Campaign blog (personal touch) – Critique of opponent Organization – Information concerning campaign activities – Provide opportunities for independent organization by supporters Meetups – Rallies, marches, groups watching political video together in bars, etc.

11. Candidate online strategy Solicit donations – Effective way of generating small-donation money Has increased the importance of small donations Sign up, encourage volunteers – Provide ability to engage in voluntary action Provide info, persuade undecideds Provide info to press and get them to publish issue positions, critique of opposition, etc. – Online ads, video – Respond quickly to opposition attacks

32. Obama online strategy http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/74120 45.stm