How the Internet Shaped The Election

A few reflections on how the influence of the internet:

Twitter:
I wouldn't call Twitter influential in changing opinion in the election (it is hard to make a intellectual argument in under 140 characters), but politics have been a large part of twitter during the election. From live tweeting during the debates to the Election Page, Twitter users have been vocal on their political views. Twitter was also used as a way to spread breaking political news immediately, before the main stream media can report it.


YouTube:
Probably the most influential medium of the election. Yes, more than television...by far. YouTube was the dumping ground for user generated political videos, parodies, campaign speeches, gaffes, and basically any video involving politics. There are several political videos on YouTube with over 1 million views concerning the election. It has been a continuing influence in the election, where TV has only had a few big moments.


Facebook:
From Fan Pages to election events to broadcasting your political views across your profile, Facebook is the easiest way for the average person to get involved in politics online. Look at your friends status updates today and you will probably notice several who have donated their status to either of the candidates.


Ustream:
This isn't as widely used as the other mediums, but it is still a very important site. Both candidates used Ustream to broadcast campaign stops live over the internet. Could you have imagined something like this 8 years ago?


Apps:
The Obama team recently came out with an app for the iPhone and iPod touch. It is a pretty neat application for a presidential candidate. It allows the user to access campaign updates, media, call lists of their contacts (separated into swing states), and a few other features.


Concluding thoughts:
Technology has come incredibly far since the last election. In 2004 there was no YouTube, hardly a Facebook presence, no Twitter, no Ustream, and no iPhone. Incredible where we are today, which leaves me with another question to think about: What role will the internet play in 2012?

Ballotpedia: What is on your Ballot?

Ballotpedia.org is arguably one of the more helpful wikis out there for being informed on what will be on the ballot this election.

You can search out your individual state and figure out what issues are going to be voted on. Therefor, you can educate yourself on the issues before you enter the ballot box and wonder what proposition 123 is.

This is a great example of the power of wikis to inform and educate.

How Media Has Change the Presidential Election

Think back to the last Presidential election in 2004. What was missing then?

- There was no YouTube.
- Candidates didn't send out Tweets on Twitter.
- Facebook was barely around at the time. No fan pages or profiles for candidates.
- Bloggers were viewed with little regard and credibility.



...and 4 years later:

- Every candidate has a YouTube Channel
- Most candidates actively used Twitter. If they aren't on Twitter, people are likely talking about them on Twitter
- Every candidate actively uses Facebook.
- Bloggers at both conventions were granted press passes, which would have seemed absurd last election.

Oh, how far social media has come...

McCain/ Palin - Genious or Risky?

John McCain has picked Alaska Senator Sarah Palin for his VP running mate. What does this mean for the GOP ticket? Message boards are already showing the polarization of opinions:

"This (decision) is an insult to women"

"Go Palin!! She has been an awesome governor and will be a great VP."

"Sarah Palin is not Hillary Clinton. "

"American politics hasn't seen integrity like Sarah Palin before..."

Will McCain's choice prove wise or will it backfire? I personally have mixed feelings. I can see how she may be a good choice based on her past signs of bold commitment to her beliefs, but her lack of long term experience will be pointed out by Obama's campaign. While this move probably won't capture all of the Hillary supporters, it is a strong move with the intention of creating buzz for McCain.