This travelogue was quite the experience. I learned a lot about Senator Obama, particularly about his campaigns’ skill of utilizing the internet to reach millions of Americans. I was very impressed with his website but even more impressed with the ability he afforded to anyone who wanted to create their own page called, “My Barack Obama”.
This personalized page gave Obama supporters the opportunity to be a part of Obama’s renowned grassroots movement by calling veterans, those in your state, or even those in nearby swing states. This page unlocked the doors to the political process which many felt were closed in previous elections. Americans have always had the chance to work for campaigns but Obama’s campaign is different. He’s not asking you to put all your faith and hope into him but rather to believe in yourself so that you can change the world. With this message, people are feeling compelled to create fundraising events, call their fellow Americans, and to do whatever it takes for Obama to get elected.
On my.barackobama.com, there is a corner which reveals the many places Obama has reached on the internet. To name just a few, he has myspace, youtube, facebook, flckr, glee, black planet, etc. I took note of his glee account because his views regarding the LGBT community is what really sets him apart from Senator McCain. I have yet to meet one member of the LGBT community that supports Senator McCain.
On my.barackobama.com, there is a blog for any person to write. I looked through the blog and noticed that there were no posts talking against Obama. This may be the case because there are simply no individuals who would take the initiative to bash Obama on an application through his own website. I read a few blogs and I doubt this is the case. Internet users are always writing negative comments about the candidates even if it’s on their (the candidates’) site. What does this say about Senator Obama’s campaign if they are really eliminating any post which may oppose the image of Barack Obama? Is that contradictory to his platform of change or is it simply part of using the privilege of owning a blog or a website in order to create a great and positive image?
Overall, I think the Obama campaign has displayed extremely great proficiency in their use of the internet which I suspect will be a major reason why Obama will be elected if he is elected. I am left wondering who was the mastermind behind my.barackobama.com? Who decided that Barack should have a myspace and facebook? I think Obama will have to particularly applaud that person if he is elected.
One Comment
I totally hear what you’re saying that this website/blog/myspace/facebook strategy was a great marketing tool for Obama’s campaign but I wonder did you have the chance to explore if McCain’s campaign had anything comparable? Are you sure that is what will lead to what you think will be his eventual success?