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?
