Campaign Space 2008

Let’s start off by saying that Congressman Ron Paul, who before the 2008 Presidential Campaign had hardly any name recognition beyond his Congressional District borders, raised $4.6 million dollars in one day… in one day.

Ron Paul and his team successfully created an internet fervor of activists who wanted another choice, rather than the anointed choices of the major political parties. Paul was successful in not only raising impressive sums of money online, but organizing his supporters in a movement dubbed, “The Ron Paul Revolution”. While Ron Paul created an impressive, and historic grass roots internet campaign, the other Presidential Contenders didn’t do too bad either.

The Presidential Contenders of 2008 have utilized the internet to amass millions in donations. But it just doesn’t start and end with candidates utilizing the web for donations, rather candidates need to successfully implement a complete interactive campaign.

Some believe that Barack Obama has gained such wide notoriety because of his online campaign that captivated the youth of the nation with a spirited change message. This is especially true during the primary where caucuses are held on such a grassroots level that organizers typically utilize the internet to garner support and coordinate their voting efforts.

Hillary Clinton has also put together an effective internet campaign. Her campaign has used the web effectively creating not only her official Presidential Campaign site, but also the ‘Hill Blazers’ and ‘Hillary Hub’, both effective portals for communicating with her volunteers and voters. On March 25, 2008, Hillary has over 138,000 Facebook supporters, and 194,000 MySpace Friends.

Republican John McCain is making a valiant internet push as well. He’s created an action center on his official website, along with having 48,000 MySpace Friends. McCain’s team capitalized on an unsavory New York Times story boasting that the day after the story appeared they raised the most funds online campaign to date.

Even here in New York, one party for sure is capitalizing on MySpace networking to promote their efforts with Independence Party Chairman Frank MacKay boasting over 135,000 friends. MacKay’s page has the most unique mix discussing his background in the entertainment field, as well his political acumen with countless new articles and photos of him with the likes of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, President Bill Clinton and New York Giant’s Superbowl Champion Michael Strahan.

Like business 2.0, Politics 2.0 is now a major part of our electoral process. For candidates to succeed, they need to work with the new political landscape and connect with the masses not only on television and radio, but online as well.