Up Close and Personal Balanced President-Elect’s Virtual Strategy
Posted on November 9th, 2008 by Bill Bartman
Those of us seriously involved with the digital revolution, as professionals or consumers, will always remember President-elect Barack Obama’s primary and general election campaigns for new media powered, record shattering political fundraising. According to Federal Election Commission data released October 27, Obama’s campaign raised $639 million to John McCain’s $360 million. Before we move on in this 24-hour cable/digital news cycle world, let’s put in perspective the Obama campaign’s fundraising designed around web and mobile media and focused on small contributions.
First, it is only fair to note the Obama campaign was a perfection of former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean’s reinvention of campaigning and fundraising by using the Internet during the 2004 Democratic primary campaign. Dean’s effort was the brainchild of web guru Joe Trippi, who was heralded on the cover of The New Republic as the man who “reinvented campaigning.”
Second, the Obama general election campaign was as noteworthy for its traditional door-to-door tactics as it was for its breakthrough uses of web and mobile media. I received a volunteer’s visit at home the week before the election, and a follow-up phone call the day of the election, offering a ride to the voting place if needed. In Ohio, the campaign reported hitting 1 million doors in Ohio the day before the election and 1.8 million doors in Pennsylvania that weekend. Political experts observe that such activity breaks the curve for all future campaigns. It was the most extensive campaign ground game political watchers ever witnessed.
The lesson seems to be that, while we live in a virtual world, the face-to-face remains indispensable. No doubt each of us can apply that lesson in our own personal or work lives.
Bill Bartman is an independent correspondent, investigative reporter, and consultant for print, broadcast, and digital new media. He also consults telecommunications and information technology ventures.
Article Tags: Barack Obama | Howard Dean | Internet fundraising | Joe Trippi
Filed under: Election
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